The annual China International Jewelry Fair is now underway in the capital Beijing. Thousands of elegant jade pieces are the highlight at the fair, now in its 11th year.

Jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry. Forget the models, jade is the star of the show. Over 900 jewelry makers packed Beijing's International Exhibition Center to exhibit their elegant wares.

The iconic Chinese stone, used for ceremonial purposes for many thousands of years, is mostly featured in the form of rings, necklaces and bracelets.

The deputy general manager of one of western China's leading producers voiced confidence that the precious stone is a sound investment.

Yang Peng, Deputy general manager of Colorful Yunnan Jewelry Co., said, Jade jewelry is the top among luxurious jewelry and has seen a huge sales increase in China. As raw materials for jade are running out, the price for jewelry keeps going up. Many people buy jewelry not only to have enjoyment but also in anticipation of its rise in value. The good jewelry could become 60 or even 100 times more valuable just in ten years."

Buying jewelry has become more popular in China with wages increasing sharply. Many flocked to the exhibition to buy some jade.

Jia Xiaoting, Exhibition Visitor, said, Jade jewelry is best in an amulet. As the saying goes: 'Gold is precious, but jade is priceless.' And jade jewelry is also a very traditional gift to send for us Chinese. I am more interested buying jade jewelry for myself.

Last year sales of jewelry in China reached 220 billion yuan, and the number is expected to increase by over 20 percent this year.