Where was jadeite first fashioned for use as an ornamental object?

Jadeite was first fashioned as an ornamental object in Central America, specifically by the ancient civilizations such as the Olmec and Maya. The high value placed on jadeite in these cultures was due to its beauty, durability, and the spiritual significance attributed to the stone. Jadeite was used to create a variety of ornamental objects, including jewelry, figurines, and other decorative items, demonstrating not only the artistic skills of these civilizations but also their sophisticated understanding of materials available to them.

While jade (including nephrite) has a long history of use in various regions, including Asia where it became deeply significant in Chinese culture, the specific use of jadeite as an ornamental stone traces back to Central America, making this the correct context for the origins of jadeite's ornamental usage.