Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[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

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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?