In the late 1930’s Joseph Lizzadro acquired his first Chinese jade carving .

It was impossible for the lapidary hobbyist to obtain rough jadeite during this time; consequently, many carvings were destroyed for the sake of the hobby. Mr. Lizzadro’s respect for the carver’s ability overwhelmed his desire to change the carving into something of his own making; thus, the Lizzadro Collection was born.