Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[LC2016]

Guys.. I just saw this on IG and think I should share

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[pomo_juice]

Hello jade lovers, could you please help me choose between the two? Both bangles are around $11k USD. Green has tiny chip on the surface but no stone lines. Lavender has stone lines within. I love the water content in the green but the purple just draws me in. The green is about 8mm thick and lavender is 9.6mm.

Have you seen them in person? If not, I'd go with green (with return policy if possible), a much safer choice than lavender. From ur second set of pics, the lavender's texture looks rough (like marble... which is expected of lavender lol). Also, I'm sure you know, but lavender under natural light can look ded (greyish... and the blues as well). Also, for rougher/"newer" texture, I'm not sure about this one in particular, but the jadeite can "turn" color as they "lose the water" so to speak. There's also a bit of yellow/brownish tinge (barely... idk if it's just a picture inaccuracy) on the green, as long as the vendor can promise the color won't "turn", it's up to your aethestics.

 

[dster1]

Have you seen them in person? If not, I'd go with green (with return policy if possible), a much safer choice than lavender. From ur second set of pics, the lavender's texture looks rough (like marble... which is expected of lavender lol). Also, I'm sure you know, but lavender under natural light can look ded (greyish... and the blues as well). Also, for rougher/"newer" texture, I'm not sure about this one in particular, but the jadeite can "turn" color as they "lose the water" so to speak. There's also a bit of yellow/brownish tinge (barely... idk if it's just a picture inaccuracy) on the green, as long as the vendor can promise the color won't "turn", it's up to your aethestics.

Thanks for your input. Agree the texture of the lavender is pretty rough but I’m surprised the green is priced slightly lower. Maybe it’s because of the little nick on the surface? I can’t see these in person and although I can return, I may just hold off until there’s a piece I feel like I MUST have. I’ve been going back and forth between these two for about a month now. Given the price point, I should truly love it.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diam

Our Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diamond Halo and 18K White Gold are made from handpicking the best Imperial Green Burmese A-Jadeite Cabochons

www.fyoro.com

This one is sold out, and probably overpriced (maybe more reasonable if around USD $8000). Good emerald green (but perhaps not imperial green as per description), looks clean but maybe a bit down on translucency and glassiness. But wouldn’t mind one of those stones for one of my projects (have no use for gold setting and diamonds), or both!

Project in mind, this in jade and platinum…

ELESSAR™ The Elfstone - Silver

Elessar, AKA the Stone of Eärendil, is a silver eagle brooch set with a green stone from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Available as a brooch or necklace pendant. Handcrafted by our jewelers from solid sterling silver and set with a green stone, cubic zirconia optional. Officially licensed to...

badalijewelry.com

 

[Bookwyrm]

Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diam

Our Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diamond Halo and 18K White Gold are made from handpicking the best Imperial Green Burmese A-Jadeite Cabochons

www.fyoro.com

This one is sold out, and probably overpriced (maybe more reasonable if around USD $8000). Good emerald green (but perhaps not imperial green as per description), looks clean but maybe a bit down on translucency and glassiness. But wouldn’t mind one of those stones for one of my projects (have no use for gold setting and diamonds), or both!

Project in mind, this in jade and platinum…

ELESSAR™ The Elfstone - Silver

Elessar, AKA the Stone of Eärendil, is a silver eagle brooch set with a green stone from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Available as a brooch or necklace pendant. Handcrafted by our jewelers from solid sterling silver and set with a green stone, cubic zirconia optional. Officially licensed to...

badalijewelry.com

Wow you must really love LOTR! I think it's so cool you're looking to create rings inspired by elvish jewellery - I would love to hear more about why you chose those three rings in particular as inspiration!

I can't say I know much about the middle Earth universe myself (I maaaaay have fallen asleep the last time I tried to watch the movies ) but my partner loves those movies!

 

[Bookwyrm]

I just wanted to pop in to say hi to @Crimson and everything else here in my favourite PS thread!

I was scrolling through Kathy Jade for fun and came across these earrings that are considered "glassy" (according to Google Translate), but to me they seem a bit foggy. I thought glassy meant the jadeite had to be super transparent, so just curious, does anyone know why Kathy Jade would call these glassy? Would these also be considered imperial green? They do seem quite glowy!

老坑玻璃種艷翠綠翡翠耳環

全台首創一條龍式的翡翠製作流程，由翡翠礦主直接經營，從開採、加工、設計到成品鑲嵌。皆由專業團隊製作，省去中間商差價，回饋給顧客最實惠的價格。

www.kathyjade.com

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Wow you must really love LOTR! I think it's so cool you're looking to create rings inspired by elvish jewellery - I would love to hear more about why you chose those three rings in particular as inspiration!

I can't say I know much about the middle Earth universe myself (I maaaaay have fallen asleep the last time I tried to watch the movies ) but my partner loves those movies!

Basically descriptions of elvish jewellery (especially the three rings of power and the Elessar) make them look so beautiful and potent that I would like to recreate them. And the Elessar with platinum setting might be cheaper to make than Narya or Vilya requiring yellow gold. Not that fine green jade cabochons are cheap to get.

As an aside does anyone know where to sell loose gemstones in Sydney, Australia or another city? Want to dispose of some of my meh-quality gemstones including a jade cabochon but most hold buyers or jewellery buyers seem to like pieces in gold or platinum settings only. Maybe I should just make a small pendant with platinum with minimal cost to facilitate the sale…

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

I just wanted to pop in to say hi to @Crimson and everything else here in my favourite PS thread!

I was scrolling through Kathy Jade for fun and came across these earrings that are considered "glassy" (according to Google Translate), but to me they seem a bit foggy. I thought glassy meant the jadeite had to be super transparent, so just curious, does anyone know why Kathy Jade would call these glassy? Would these also be considered imperial green? They do seem quite glowy!

老坑玻璃種艷翠綠翡翠耳環

全台首創一條龍式的翡翠製作流程，由翡翠礦主直接經營，從開採、加工、設計到成品鑲嵌。皆由專業團隊製作，省去中間商差價，回饋給顧客最實惠的價格。

www.kathyjade.com

My Chinese isn’t good but seems to describe as an old-pit rather than necessarily glassy. It is a high quality piece but a bit grainy texture, probably will call it icy and close to apple-green rather than imperial. Not sure if I’d ever pay $76500 USD (wouldn’t dream of spending that much on any project even if I was much richer) but definitely an appealing piece of jewellery.

 

[Bookwyrm]

My Chinese isn’t good but seems to describe as an old-pit rather than necessarily glassy. It is a high quality piece but a bit grainy texture, probably will call it icy and close to apple-green rather than imperial. Not sure if I’d ever pay $76500 USD (wouldn’t dream of spending that much on any project even if I was much richer) but definitely an appealing piece of jewellery.

Ohh thank you for helping with the proper translation! And yeah, I would never spend 76k USD on something like this either! I just asked out of curiousity...I haven't realy seen many flatter pieces of jadeite, and the heart shape seems quite unique! Maybe the jadeite piece wasn't thick enough so they cut it into flat hearts?

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Speaking of colour, that piece from Fyoro is marketed as imperial green but looks more akin to emerald green or forest green if you ask me; HKJSL calls it intense green which can be anywhere in high-end green jadeite spectrum. The one on the left (9 o’clock orientation) seem more right like apple green/Yang green whereas the right one (3 o’clock) seem a bit more intense, emerald green like.

Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diam

Our Eternal Sunshine Imperial Green Burmese A-Jade Stud Earrings with Diamond Halo and 18K White Gold are made from handpicking the best Imperial Green Burmese A-Jadeite Cabochons

www.fyoro.com

 

[Crimson]

Thank you for tagging me, @Bookwyrm. I have been travelling and missed so many posts here!
So glad to see this thread is active and vibrant.
@Bookwyrm The earrings from Kathy are described as old pit 老坑 and
glassy 玻璃種
I have seen this kind of Jadeite. Even though it’s listed as glossy, you can still see some fine veins and texture.
I would say just based on the photos that they are not as high quality whether in material or cut as the ones from On Cheong (below) which are about USD 140K.
The ones from Kathy are flat topped - such cuts usually cost less than cabochons.
@Sydneyphoenix those two jadeite ovals don’t seem very well matched but it could be how the light falls on them. Regardless, they do seem pricey for how they look.
@dster1 i agree with @pomo_juice’s comments about the bangles. Happy searching!

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Thank you for tagging me, @Bookwyrm. I have been travelling and missed so many posts here!
So glad to see this thread is active and vibrant.
@Bookwyrm The earrings from Kathy are described as old pit 老坑 and
glassy 玻璃種
I have seen this kind of Jadeite. Even though it’s listed as glossy, you can still see some fine veins and texture.
I would say just based on the photos that they are not as high quality whether in material or cut as the ones from On Cheong (below) which are about USD 140K.
The ones from Kathy are flat topped - such cuts usually cost less than cabochons.
@Sydneyphoenix those two jadeite ovals don’t seem very well matched but it could be how the light falls on them. Regardless, they do seem pricey for how they look.
@dster1 i agree with @pomo_juice’s comments about the bangles. Happy searching!

Oops, missed the 玻璃種 bit. But yeah not as clean or watery as some of the other old-pit materials. Visible veins and small grainy textures exaggerated by flat surface.

These two cabochons I posted come from the same rough apparently, but doesn’t mean they are perfectly matched pair. While it could be the lighting, I like the one at 3o’clock orientation better.

 

[Pomelo]

Christie’s are having a jewellery and jadeite sale in HK later this month, and they came to Beijing for viewing of some select pieces (ie the higher value ones!). Sadly I didn’t have much time to try on allll of the jadeite they brought with them, but here is a bangle and three rings.

The bangle is guided at HKD 6.8-8.8m (ISD 880-1.1m), the rings at HKD 3-5m (USD 400-650k), HKD 600-800k (USD80-100k) and HKD 500-800k (USD70-100k).

Tbh I found the bangle rather unremarkable at the price point but I don’t know anything about the pricing of bangles!

It was also too small for me to try on. The jewellery specialist said that they’ve had many instances in the past when someone has squeezed their hand into a bangle and had difficulty in taking it off, but they always manage to in the end with the help of soap or a plastic bag!




Very near imperial jadeite ring HKD 3-5m, but (maybe?) because it’s quite a flat cabochon, it didn’t feel like it glowed much


HKD 600-800k, my favourite of the pieces I tried on. The colour is slightly lighter than the imperial jade, but the higher dome was delicious!


The bottom cabochon was HKD 500-800k, the colour is less vibrant / more grey.



They have some more affordable pieces in the sale but sadly those weren’t part of the travelling show.

And, off topic, but wanted to share this photo of a 10ct D FL oval mounted by Cartier. It felt right at home on my finger

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Pomelo wow!!!! That diamond is delicious (and I’m not a diamond girl). And no bow tie!!!!

I agree with you on the bangle. Don’t get me wrong it’s beautiful but at that price I expected better. So even live in front of your eyes it was not all that?

 

[Pomelo]

@Pomelo wow!!!! That diamond is delicious (and I’m not a diamond girl). And no bow tie!!!!

I agree with you on the bangle. Don’t get me wrong it’s beautiful but at that price I expected better. So even live in front of your eyes it was not all that?

I actually think the bangle photographs better than what I saw live - my iPhone has made the greens brighter. IRL, there was a noticeable greyish tint and the water/translucency was average... but I guess I'm comparing (relatively speaking) small cabochons vs a huge hunk of a bangle!

 

[Crimson]

I actually think the bangle photographs better than what I saw live - my iPhone has made the greens brighter. IRL, there was a noticeable greyish tint and the water/translucency was average... but I guess I'm comparing (relatively speaking) small cabochons vs a huge hunk of a bangle!

Thanks for the lovely photos @Pomelo !
I am not crazy about the bangle either but maybe it is really hefty and the colour (for a bangle) is quite even? I don’t like or wear jadeite bangles though.
The three rings are huge, and not so expensive for their size. Rings that size and quality would easily cost more here in SG, definitely more than a million HKD. The one below is an example. It is very nice, watery, not imperial but full green. It is about HKD 1.2 m.

 

[Pomelo]

Thanks for the lovely photos @Pomelo !
I am not crazy about the bangle either but maybe it is really hefty and the colour (for a bangle) is quite even? I don’t like or wear jadeite bangles though.
The three rings are huge, and not so expensive for their size. Rings that size and quality would easily cost more here in SG, definitely more than a million HKD. The one below is an example. It is very nice, watery, not imperial but full green. It is about HKD 1.2 m.

Thanks @Crimson , I also don’t like wearing jade bangles as I had one when I was 16 and managed to cause a crack within a week or two - it didn’t break, but I was so scared that I took it off and never put it back on!

Re: the guide price on the rings, I agree they’re lower than retail but who knows how much they will eventually go for under the hammer? That’s the exciting thing about auctions though IMO - sometimes you can pick up a real bargain, but you’ve got to stay disciplined otherwise it’s easy to go over budget!

 

[Seastheday]

I’ve been soaking up all the recent lovely photos!

Can I ask a question about jadeite jade durability? I know it’s quite hard and quite tough due to its interlocking microcrystalline structure, but, I was reading recently online and conversing with some jadeite vendors who say:

1. Even grade A jadeite OFTEN may have internal fractures that may be hard to detect?” Is it true? How does one look for these cracks (microscope? Bright light?)? Do some internal cracks threaten structural integrity and if so how to tell which ones?

2. “Sudden changes in temperature can cause internal stress in the jade, leading to cracks or fractures.” Does this mean going from a snowy outdoors to a warm indoors? Needing to take off a jade bangle when taking a hot bath?

3. “jade is a stone that is porous. the more holes the more air gets into nether regions. and if done just for aesthetic reason these carved out parts will increase chance of internal fracture.... the aim is to chafe away along the fracture lines, not to introduce any. when we cut jade we try to cut away the 'bad' parts and never the nice parts. we only pierce ie. punch out the material, when we know the material is not precious or plenty. no carver will pierce away jade material that has color or translucence, only opaque or semi-opaque (or along fracture lines) material gets removed. i believe much of chinese export jade have this kind of carving (chinese export jade jewelry sold in the US like ming's, etc).
of course carving technique will change the internal structure of the stone. this is an understatement.”

Yikes! Does that mean I should avoid extensively carved jadeite since it may dry out/lose translucency over time?

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I can’t say for sure but I had some crazy hot onsen baths in Japan and never took my bangle off. It was snow covered outside.

Here are some lines in mine



My understanding is that it is very tough. Easy to scratch (mobs of 6 I think) but very tough and fibrous. You can see all the stone fibres here.

 

[Bookwyrm]

Thank you for tagging me, @Bookwyrm. I have been travelling and missed so many posts here!
So glad to see this thread is active and vibrant.
@Bookwyrm The earrings from Kathy are described as old pit 老坑 and
glassy 玻璃種
I have seen this kind of Jadeite. Even though it’s listed as glossy, you can still see some fine veins and texture.
I would say just based on the photos that they are not as high quality whether in material or cut as the ones from On Cheong (below) which are about USD 140K.
The ones from Kathy are flat topped - such cuts usually cost less than cabochons.

I hope you've been enjoying your travels (and get to see a lot of bling along the way ). I haven't seen many flat topped jadeite pieces, but I actually quite like them when they're rectangular or squarish. Hmmmm I might even prefer these to oval cabs... I wonder how they'd compare in terms of glow to imperial cabochons!

 

[Bookwyrm]

1. Even grade A jadeite OFTEN may have internal fractures that may be hard to detect?” Is it true? How does one look for these cracks (microscope? Bright light?)? Do some internal cracks threaten structural integrity and if so how to tell which ones?

2. “Sudden changes in temperature can cause internal stress in the jade, leading to cracks or fractures.” Does this mean going from a snowy outdoors to a warm indoors? Needing to take off a jade bangle when taking a hot bath?

I'm curious too! Especially with question number 2...would taking a jadeite piece from 23 degrees celcius to -10 degrees celcius (like during winter in Canada) be considered sudden enough of a temperature chcange to cause damage?

 

[Bookwyrm]

Thanks @Crimson , I also don’t like wearing jade bangles as I had one when I was 16 and managed to cause a crack within a week or two - it didn’t break, but I was so scared that I took it off and never put it back on!

Re: the guide price on the rings, I agree they’re lower than retail but who knows how much they will eventually go for under the hammer? That’s the exciting thing about auctions though IMO - sometimes you can pick up a real bargain, but you’ve got to stay disciplined otherwise it’s easy to go over budget!

@Pomelo and @Crimson , I'm not sure if you have done jewellery shopping in Hong Kong before, but I was wondering if you know how the prices in Hong Kong (of jadeite and gemstones or jewellery in general) might compare to prices in the US or Singapore?

 

[Crimson]

I hope you've been enjoying your travels (and get to see a lot of bling along the way ). I haven't seen many flat topped jadeite pieces, but I actually quite like them when they're rectangular or squarish. Hmmmm I might even prefer these to oval cabs... I wonder how they'd compare in terms of glow to imperial cabochons!

Too much travel, going crazy!
Spent a whole afternoon at Berganza looking at rubies, emeralds and sapphires, but guess what, I am so fussy I left with nothing. My sister came close to buying a ring but paused. It was very funny in Berganza because my sister was putting on all the rings, whereas I was examining them thoroughly before I put them on. The difference was not lost on the staff
Flat top jadeite doesn't glow as much as cabs. It may seem brighter if cut thinner. Cabs are cut to show off that glow! However, flat tops can look very smart too.
There was an example in this thread earlier that I shared - the emerald shaped ring that @Starstruck8 liked.

Post in thread 'Evaluating jadeite (feicui)'

Mar 20, 2025

Thank you for that wonderful post, @Crimson! So much good information.

It's obvious when you think about it (but I hadn't) that if you wear a necklace over a coloured dress, less transparent beads will hold their colour better. Also, that they will show their colour more consistently in varying lighting. It's also obvious that in a single cab you can get absolute top quality, but for a necklace, uniformity is more important and harder to achieve.

Thank you ! I shall post some more photos later. For now, here more info on the jadeite and other valuables of the Soong family...

• Crimson

• 
• 
• 

The heart-shaped ring below also has a flat top. I almost bought it. It is from On Cheong. It has good colour and size! I hope the photo gives you some idea of the difference between flat and curved tops.

I'm curious too! Especially with question number 2...would taking a jadeite piece from 23 degrees celcius to -10 degrees celcius (like during winter in Canada) be considered sudden enough of a temperature chcange to cause damage?

Haha, I don't think would be extreme enough but there are all sorts of scary videos on Wechat showing jade being heated to extremes.

As for prices in Hong Kong, yes, they seem to be lower. However, as you know, buying rare gems isn't like buying diamonds. It isn't a matter of, "Oh, I think this unheated, vivid red Burmese ruby is too expensive, I will just get one from Hong Kong." One might be able to do that with diamonds or more available gems like aquamarine or peridot. But it is not so easy to find equivalents for rarer gems like rubies

Hong Kong has a much wider selection of jade because it is near the mainland and prices tend to be lower than in Singapore. So yes, it probably the best choice.
Having said all that, I don't buy jewellery when I travel. I usually take some time to decide. I also don't want to become the victim of a crime. Last year, I was warned by the Head of jewellery in UK's swankiest store not to buy anything because it might get stolen.

 

[Crimson]

I’ve been soaking up all the recent lovely photos!

Can I ask a question about jadeite jade durability? I know it’s quite hard and quite tough due to its interlocking microcrystalline structure, but, I was reading recently online and conversing with some jadeite vendors who say:

1. Even grade A jadeite OFTEN may have internal fractures that may be hard to detect?” Is it true? How does one look for these cracks (microscope? Bright light?)? Do some internal cracks threaten structural integrity and if so how to tell which ones?

2. “Sudden changes in temperature can cause internal stress in the jade, leading to cracks or fractures.” Does this mean going from a snowy outdoors to a warm indoors? Needing to take off a jade bangle when taking a hot bath?

3. “jade is a stone that is porous. the more holes the more air gets into nether regions. and if done just for aesthetic reason these carved out parts will increase chance of internal fracture.... the aim is to chafe away along the fracture lines, not to introduce any. when we cut jade we try to cut away the 'bad' parts and never the nice parts. we only pierce ie. punch out the material, when we know the material is not precious or plenty. no carver will pierce away jade material that has color or translucence, only opaque or semi-opaque (or along fracture lines) material gets removed. i believe much of chinese export jade have this kind of carving (chinese export jade jewelry sold in the US like ming's, etc).
of course carving technique will change the internal structure of the stone. this is an understatement.”

Yikes! Does that mean I should avoid extensively carved jadeite since it may dry out/lose translucency over time?

#1 -- Yes, microscope is best for detecting cracks and flaws.
#2 -- answered above. i don't think temperature changes that we regularly experience as humans will pose a huge threat.
#3 -- As I mentioned before, the best jade is not carved, only shaped “好玉不雕”.
If it is carved, the less carving the better. Sometimes some carving is done to create an auspicious shape, like a "bi" or "ruyi".
Most of the time, elaborate carving is a way of removing imperfections while expressing artistry and retaining the value of the stone. it is a win-win solution. it is also a way of making a dry, less uniform or less beautfully coloured piece of jade look more interesting.
The jade industry is frugal in that sense, every tiny bit of each jade boulder should be used and sold. The leftovers become beads, buttons, clasps, small trinkets, or decor.
I have seen jadeite that was damaged by hole-punching/carving. It was decided that the original piece of fine quality jadeite would be used to create a pair of cufflinks. The only carving that was done was to create two "bi" shapes. Everything went smoothly - the first "bi" was created, a diamond was inserted into the centre and a halo surrounded the bi. However, the second "bi" was damaged during drilling and a crack formed. The craftsman continued hoping no one would notice but it went to a retail store where a sharp-eyed retail staff member spotted ithe crack. When I saw the damaged piece, I was more horrified than I thought I would be. It was such a pity.

 

[Seastheday]

#1 -- Yes, microscope is best for detecting cracks and flaws.
#2 -- answered above. i don't think temperature changes that we regularly experience as humans will pose a huge threat.
#3 -- As I mentioned before, the best jade is not carved, only shaped “好玉不雕”.
If it is carved, the less carving the better. Sometimes some carving is done to create an auspicious shape, like a "bi" or "ruyi".
Most of the time, elaborate carving is a way of removing imperfections while expressing artistry and retaining the value of the stone. it is a win-win solution. it is also a way of making a dry, less uniform or less beautfully coloured piece of jade look more interesting.
The jade industry is frugal in that sense, every tiny bit of each jade boulder should be used and sold. The leftovers become beads, buttons, clasps, small trinkets, or decor.
I have seen jadeite that was damaged by hole-punching/carving. It was decided that the original piece of fine quality jadeite would be used to create a pair of cufflinks. The only carving that was done was to create two "bi" shapes. Everything went smoothly - the first "bi" was created, a diamond was inserted into the centre and a halo surrounded the bi. However, the second "bi" was damaged during drilling and a crack formed. The craftsman continued hoping no one would notice but it went to a retail store where a sharp-eyed retail staff member spotted ithe crack. When I saw the damaged piece, I was more horrified than I thought I would be. It was such a pity.

@Crimson thank you!

1. Hmm, if internal fissures can only be seen with microscope, that does now give me hesitation in pursuing an antique jade piece at auction. Even at Christie’s/Sotheby’s, it is the responsibility of the bidder/buyer to assure themselves of the condition of the item, and seeing I’m not able to attend these auctions in person nor do I want to lug a microscope (haha!) to one of those auctions even if I was able to attend an auction, it sounds like I would really be taking a big chance when it comes to quality of antique/secondhand jade? Esp if I plan to drop $10000+ USD on an auction?

How do you inspect your jade pieces to ensure they are free of any concerning internal flaws? Or are internal flaws common enough in jade (like fissures in emeralds) that one should make peace with it and only be concerned if it’s a surface reaching flaw?

Sorry for all the questions! I’m just starting to wrap my head around jade. I own some unheated sapphires with inclusions and non-perfect SI diamonds, and because they are antique pieces they are a bit knocked about and have surface abrasions, etc, but it would be unthinkable for me to purchase a sapphire or diamond with any internal cracks, so wondering if I should adjust my expectations when it comes to jade.

What’s the difference between internal fissure/cracks vs water line vs cotton line vs root lines in jade? Are they all variations of internal fissures?

2. @mellowyellowgirl Great, sounds like I don’t need to baby it too much—Jade bangles fit quite tight and I’d hate to have to take it off every time I shower or take a bath! A nice jadeite bangle is on my wish list: I’ve been ogling yours and they are lovely!

3. I guess I have “poor” taste in jade since I like carved jade; my wallet rejoices!

 

[Bookwyrm]

Too much travel, going crazy!
Spent a whole afternoon at Berganza looking at rubies, emeralds and sapphires, but guess what, I am so fussy I left with nothing. My sister came close to buying a ring but paused. It was very funny in Berganza because my sister was putting on all the rings, whereas I was examining them thoroughly before I put them on. The difference was not lost on the staff
Flat top jadeite doesn't glow as much as cabs. It may seem brighter if cut thinner. Cabs are cut to show off that glow! However, flat tops can look very smart too.
There was an example in this thread earlier that I shared - the emerald shaped ring that @Starstruck8 liked.

Post in thread 'Evaluating jadeite (feicui)'

Mar 20, 2025

Thank you for that wonderful post, @Crimson! So much good information.

It's obvious when you think about it (but I hadn't) that if you wear a necklace over a coloured dress, less transparent beads will hold their colour better. Also, that they will show their colour more consistently in varying lighting. It's also obvious that in a single cab you can get absolute top quality, but for a necklace, uniformity is more important and harder to achieve.

Thank you ! I shall post some more photos later. For now, here more info on the jadeite and other valuables of the Soong family...

• Crimson

• 
• 
• 

The heart-shaped ring below also has a flat top. I almost bought it. It is from On Cheong. It has good colour and size! I hope the photo gives you some idea of the difference between flat and curved tops.



Haha, I don't think would be extreme enough but there are all sorts of scary videos on Wechat showing jade being heated to extremes.

As for prices in Hong Kong, yes, they seem to be lower. However, as you know, buying rare gems isn't like buying diamonds. It isn't a matter of, "Oh, I think this unheated, vivid red Burmese ruby is too expensive, I will just get one from Hong Kong." One might be able to do that with diamonds or more available gems like aquamarine or peridot. But it is not so easy to find equivalents for rarer gems like rubies

Hong Kong has a much wider selection of jade because it is near the mainland and prices tend to be lower than in Singapore. So yes, it probably the best choice.
Having said all that, I don't buy jewellery when I travel. I usually take some time to decide. I also don't want to become the victim of a crime. Last year, I was warned by the Head of jewellery in UK's swankiest store not to buy anything because it might get stolen.

Ooo is Berganza all antique jewellery? It looks like so much fun! I must go check out their website. You go on the most thrilling jewellery adventures!

Thank you for sharing those flat-topped jadeite pieces! I actually quite like the green of the heart (just not the shape) - it does seem brighter!

Hmmmmm do you happen to know any jadeite vendors or stores in Hong Kong? I'll be visiting HK at the end of the year (sadly no Singapore this year) and I can't wait to see all the jewellery there (and maaaybe search for a glassy jadeite piece while I'm at it)! I've heard there's just tonnes of jewellery stores everywhere! I wouldn't know where to start haha

 

[Bookwyrm]

1. Hmm, if internal fissures can only be seen with microscope, that does now give me hesitation in pursuing an antique jade piece at auction. Even at Christie’s/Sotheby’s, it is the responsibility of the bidder/buyer to assure themselves of the condition of the item, and seeing I’m not able to attend these auctions in person nor do I want to lug a microscope (haha!) to one of those auctions even if I was able to attend an auction, it sounds like I would really be taking a big chance when it comes to quality of antique/secondhand jade? Esp if I plan to drop $10000+ USD on an auction?

How do you inspect your jade pieces to ensure they are free of any concerning internal flaws? Or are internal flaws common enough in jade (like fissures in emeralds) that one should make peace with it and only be concerned if it’s a surface reaching flaw?

Oh my gosh, that is frightening...I now have the sudden urge to purchase a microscope (that I wouldn't know how to use lol) and look at my pear jadeite ring under the microscope as the pear does have a couple of darker inclusions along the edges...I sure hope none of them are fractures/fissures! I wonder if those fissures that can only be seen with a microscope would be mentioned by jadeite vendors and auctions at the time of purchase...

Thank you for asking these questions - I'm learning so much from this too!

 

[Bookwyrm]

Hmm what do you guys think of denim blue jadeite?

 

[Crimson]

Hmm what do you guys think of denim blue jadeite?

Instinctive answer - prob from Guatemala?
This is called blue water but the darker material tends to be from Guatemala so should not be too expensive. It is pretty in the photos! However, please check under normal and indoor light as some tend to go very dark indoors.
BTW let me sneak in a comment about ruby here. I didn't want to de-rail the other thread! The new ruby item I bought is something I have been eyeing and that has been put aside for me. I decided to buy it because I have not bought anything in London or Paris - no bags, clothes or big items. Museum pins don't count, right?
So no pics yet but I can tell you it is Burmese, unheated, vivid red.

 

[Crimson]

Ooo is Berganza all antique jewellery? It looks like so much fun! I must go check out their website. You go on the most thrilling jewellery adventures!

Thank you for sharing those flat-topped jadeite pieces! I actually quite like the green of the heart (just not the shape) - it does seem brighter!

Hmmmmm do you happen to know any jadeite vendors or stores in Hong Kong? I'll be visiting HK at the end of the year (sadly no Singapore this year) and I can't wait to see all the jewellery there (and maaaybe search for a glassy jadeite piece while I'm at it)! I've heard there's just tonnes of jewellery stores everywhere! I wouldn't know where to start haha

Yes, Berganza specialises in vintage + antique jewellery. They have the biggest collection in London. So I looked at pieces fr the 1800s to the recent past.
Hong Kong - Ilia has v nice designs.
DeJade is well known,
On Cheong works with Chow Sang Sang and Chow Tai Fook to source jade.
This quaint one sounds interesting https://www.scmp.com/news/people-cu...amily-business-battles-global-turbulence-keep