So, you want to buy some jade jewelry for yourself or some one special, well here are some good tips to help you with your jade shopping. Today jade jewelry is sold all over the world, but you do not want to fall into the group of shoppers that buy “Fake” Jade every day and all over the world.
So, before buying you should have some knowledge and we are going to help you on this blog. So here we go.
Jadeite Jade is found in mainly Burma, and some in Western China. It comes in many gorgeous colors Like Greens of many shades, Lavender (many shades), Pure white, Russet, Yellows and Oranges. Jadeite is a very hard stone with a hardness of 6.5 – 7.2. Genuine Jadeite can be very translucent depending on the Jade stone. Genuine Jadeite will feel cool to the touch and will not scratch if you try to scratch it with a safety pin or the edge of a small sharp knife. The most important factors in determining the value of a Jadeite bangle is the color and transparency. Color – From rich brilliant greens to deep lavender, these are the colors that demand the highest prices. The more light that shines through the stone, the better the quality and the value. Sometimes you will be able to look into the Jade with a 10X loop and see the natural grain of the Jade, if you cannot see any grain, you may have bought Fake Jade. Also Burmese Jade being the most valued Jade is brought into China by the Chinese Jade factories and carve there into fine Jadeite bangles, The Chinese have been the finest Jade carvers for over 5000 years, so do not be surprised if you buy Jadeite Jade from China and it is Burmese Jade.
What to consider before making a Jade purchase
Avid jadeite collectors understand what makes the stone valuable when hunting down authentic items. But, if you are just starting out, it can be difficult to determine if the item is worth the price. Because the gemstone is so unique, there are a variety of factors that must be considered when deciding whether or not to buy the jade item, whether it be bangles, figurines, rings, earrings or pendants. Although jade is the most respected gemstone in Chinese culture, many merchants don’t treat it that way. Purchasing a jade item that lacks in quality can be avoided by questioning some aspects about the stone.
Is it made out of Nephrite or Jadeite?
Although both materials are considered to be jade, they each differentiate slightly. Nephrite is the traditional material of jade stone, while jadeite is the material that was imported and used later on in history. Both stones are referred to as jade and vary in color, mineralogical properties, appearance and pallet ranges. If the jade item appears to be anything other than nephrite or jadeite, then it is not real jade.
Has it ever been repaired?
If the jade item appears to have been repaired, make sure it was done properly and that it isn’t disfigured. By conducting this evaluation, you can also determine if the item is worth its value.
What color is the Jade?
The color of the jade stone in the design of the piece has a large impact on the value of the item. Natural green jade is much more common and easier to find, while lavender and red jade is scarcer. The more colorful the stone, the more valuable the item will be. Additionally, you should also check that the jade isn’t artificially dyed to give a different color.
Don’t purchase your jade item from just any merchant; only trust reliable sellers who won’t try to offer fake jade that is overpriced. We have been hand-selecting our jade items for years, traveling overseas to personally pick them out and import them to the U.S ourselves. As jade collectors, we understand the challenge of purchasing fine quality jade jewelry, accessories and items. Honing the technique of questioning, evaluating and examining the authenticity of a jade item can ensure that the investment you are about to make is worth it.