Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[Crimson]

Hi @Crimson, thank you for sharing your knowledge on jade. Learnt a lot today.

I chanced upon these 2 rings recently. Both are about 2.9mm thick. However, the lower one has a lighter yellow green rim. I have not seen this before. What could be the reason for this? I guess this will mean the colour is not "cun"

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. Is this your own photo or from the dealer? From the reflection on the rings, I can see that the lighting source is more to one side and the difference is more obvious in the lower ring. The stone is thinner at the rim, and the colour is also not as saturated so the difference is exacerbated. As to whether it is a difference in homogeneity (cun) I have seen differences in homogeneity in cabochons, but that is not a desirable feature and it doesn’t occur like this - so evenly around the edge. Can you inspect the rim from the side and under different lighting conditions?
Do you know this dealer well, and is this type A with a credible cert?
Whenever I see odd rims, I worry that the jadeite may have been treated or filled - it might be a doublet or triplet or a hollow as discussed here.

Part II: The Trading and Grading of Jadeite - Page 2 | LotusGemology.com

Myanmar's fei cui mines represent the planet's principal source of fine fei cui jade. This article covers the mining, grading and trading of fei cui (jadeite).

www.lotusgemology.com

 

[DKT]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. Is this your own photo or from the dealer? From the reflection on the rings, I can see that the lighting source is more to one side and the difference is more obvious in the lower ring. The stone is thinner at the rim, and the colour is also not as saturated so the difference is exacerbated. As to whether it is a difference in homogeneity (cun) I have seen differences in homogeneity in cabochons, but that is not a desirable feature and it doesn’t occur like this - so evenly around the edge. Can you inspect the rim from the side and under different lighting conditions?
Do you know this dealer well, and is this type A with a credible cert?
Whenever I see odd rims, I worry that the jadeite may have been treated or filled - it might be a doublet or triplet or a hollow as discussed here.

Part II: The Trading and Grading of Jadeite - Page 2 | LotusGemology.com

Myanmar's fei cui mines represent the planet's principal source of fine fei cui jade. This article covers the mining, grading and trading of fei cui (jadeite).

www.lotusgemology.com

This is my photo, taken at the store. The jade is type A, with reputable cert. When I rotate the ring, it shows a similar lighter colour on the opposite rim. I wonder if it is due to the thinner rims. Good idea to inspect it under different lighting. It's rather translucent and looks watery to my novice eyes

 

[Starstruck8]

Hi @Crimson, thank you for sharing your knowledge on jade. Learnt a lot today.

I chanced upon these 2 rings recently. Both are about 2.9mm thick. However, the lower one has a lighter yellow green rim. I have not seen this before. What could be the reason for this? I guess this will mean the colour is not "cun"

I'm thinking that the bright rim is caused by reflection from the back of the cab. It's probably not caused by non-uniformity. Here is a demo with an amethyst. (Note, two photos put together, with the lighting from opposite sides):


This sort of rim is common in transparent-ish cabs. That's why I think that the best cabs are not the most transparent - inclusions and translucency soften these odd reflections. Jadeite usually has enough glowy translucency to do this, but this one doesn't.

Of course, it also depends on the profile of the back of the cab. I'm not sure whether 'better' cuts are designed to minimize the rim effect.

 

[DKT]

@mellowyellowgirl Did you mean the starry looking ring ? I tried to find a photo but I have so many, I couldn’t find any of the starry ring on my finger. Anyway, the piece returned was not the starry ring. I’ll take a photo of the starry ring the next time I go to the shop.
I did find two other photos that you might like. Below is a generously sized jadeite, full of water colour but not imperial green, $200000.
The bangle is nice too but has an inconveniently located cabochon right at the centre of the back of the wrist.

Beautiful pieces! Are they from On Cheong?

 

[Crimson]

Beautiful pieces! Are they from On Cheong?

Yes, they are! Do you live in Singapore? If so, do pop by! I have a ring much like one of the two that you were considering, from On Cheong. Most of my jadeite pieces are from them.

 

[LilAlex]

This sort of rim is common in transparent-ish cabs.

Same with this sugarloaf sapphire photo from the Lang archives:

 

[DKT]

Yes, they are! Do you live in Singapore? If so, do pop by! I have a ring much like one of the two that you were considering, from On Cheong. Most of my jadeite pieces are from them.

Beautiful rings! is this imperial green? yes. will drop by on cheong soon.

 

[MMtwo]

Quick question I hope someone can help. Looking at pendants on Kathy jade, many do not have drill holes for a jump ring. Is this something that is asked for at purchase?

 

[Crimson]

Quick question I hope someone can help. Looking at pendants on Kathy jade, many do not have drill holes for a jump ring. Is this something that is asked for at purchase?

@MMtwo Yes, you can ask for holes to be drilled, for a small fee. They can also add the jump ring for you. Are you considering more pieces?

 

[MMtwo]

@Crimson yes ma’am, there are some lovely small jade carvings at a reasonable price. This KJ sale is wonderful (and terrible for my wallet)

Thank you! for the help. Now I will know what to do.
.

 

[MMtwo]

I went ahead. It is a "dragon's teeth" but this puzzles me, because it looks like a lovely flower to me. Maybe it is? I asked that it be drilled and a simple bail be attached.

I found the carving and lines very appealing.

 

[Crimson]

I went ahead. It is a "dragon's teeth" but this puzzles me, because it looks like a lovely flower to me. Maybe it is? I asked that it be drilled and a simple bail be attached.

I found the carving and lines very appealing.

Yes, I like the carving too! I cannot make out the dragon’s tooth either but I think you bought the right thing. A dragon’s tooth stands for bravery and courage… quite apt given the news;

 

[MMtwo]

Yes, I like the carving too! I cannot make out the dragon’s tooth either but I think you bought the right thing. A dragon’s tooth stands for bravery and courage… quite apt given the news;

Thank you as always! Other folks at other places suggested a 9 tailed fox. I don’t see the body though.

We can all use bravery and wisdom at this time! I’ll take it.

 

[Crimson]

Thank you as always! Other folks at other places suggested a 9 tailed fox. I don’t see the body though.

We can all use bravery and wisdom at this time! I’ll take it.

@MMtwo I was so curious I went to look for the listing on Kathy Jade. The Chinese description says “9 tailed fox”… but the English description says dragon teeth. I have circled the Chinese characters 九 is 9, 尾 is tail and 狐 is fox.
The jadeite is described as flower green 花青, in reference to the light and dark green patterns in the stone. The nine-tailed fox is associated with positive growth and protection.
Doing a deeper search for Dragon’s teeth in Chinese led me to a flower, which is what you thought it was! It is so pretty. The legend is the flowers turned into brave soldiers to protect people.
So you have a most interesting pendant! I hope you will enjoy wearing it.

 

[MMtwo]

@MMtwo I was so curious I went to look for the listing on Kathy Jade. The Chinese description says “9 tailed fox”… but the English description says dragon teeth. I have circled the Chinese characters 九 is 9, 尾 is tail and 狐 is fox.
The jadeite is described as flower green 花青, in reference to the light and dark green patterns in the stone. The nine-tailed fox is associated with positive growth and protection.
Doing a deeper search for Dragon’s teeth in Chinese led me to a flower, which is what you thought it was! It is so pretty. The legend is the flowers turned into brave soldiers to protect people.
So you have a most interesting pendant! I hope you will enjoy wearing it.

How kind of you, thank you so much for looking into it! It is very beautiful to me and I love the dual interpretation, or even triple interpretation. I also appreciate the flower picture.

I was advised that it was 4500NT (139.50 USD) to drill a hole for a bail. I am assuming this also includes the bail. I am a bit surprised, I saw mention of nominal fees for bails to be added. Maybe the drilling is very expensive?

I am so charmed...LOL, that's okay, I will love wearing it.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

How kind of you, thank you so much for looking into it! It is very beautiful to me and I love the dual interpretation, or even triple interpretation. I also appreciate the flower picture.

I was advised that it was 4500NT (139.50 USD) to drill a hole for a bail. I am assuming this also includes the bail. I am a bit surprised, I saw mention of nominal fees for bails to be added. Maybe the drilling is very expensive?

I am so charmed...LOL, that's okay, I will love wearing it.

I’d check with them just to make sure. With the price of gold these days, it might not include a bail. Also they tend to ask you what bail you want so if they haven’t asked, I’d be suspicious.

 

[MMtwo]

I’d check with them just to make sure. With the price of gold these days, it might not include a bail. Also they tend to ask you what bail you want so if they haven’t asked, I’d be suspicious.

Thanks, email sent for details and clarification.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Thanks, email sent for details and clarification.

Let us know!!!!

Random pic of a ring I gave Lil Sis to keep the thread full of pics!

 

[MMtwo]

Beautiful! Good idea, pictures! The new beads get inspection.

 

[Crimson]

Such fun! Thank you for the lovely pictures!
@mellowyellowgirl That is a large ring! I like the shape and swirls. You are such a generous sister
@MMtwo your cat is so cute and adorable! I am glad even your cat approves. Looks as if you made some great buys at the Kathy sale… and it is not yet over
Here is a ruyi pendant I got my sister for her birthday.


In this pic are my KathyJade bee earrings. The longearrings are from On Cheong

 

[MMtwo]

@Crimson what a gorgeous ruyi. It is glowing, you’re a sweet sister. Bet she was thrilled!

The tray of goodies is amazing. Ruby red and bright green is a stunning visual. The bee earrings are darling. The green in the long earrings looks like it would be seen across the room. So vivid.

 

[DKT]

I went ahead. It is a "dragon's teeth" but this puzzles me, because it looks like a lovely flower to me. Maybe it is? I asked that it be drilled and a simple bail be attached.

I found the carving and lines very appealing.

This will make a lovely brooch too

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

Technically it’s not jadeite in my case, but what is the meaning behind pixiu? I think they’re wealth bringing, but not certain.

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

Beautiful! Good idea, pictures! The new beads get inspection.

Well? Did they pass inspection?

 

[MMtwo]

Well? Did they pass inspection?

They did! I get to keep them.

 

[Crimson]

Technically it’s not jadeite in my case, but what is the meaning behind pixiu? I think they’re wealth bringing, but not certain.

Pixiu are very popular! Here is some info fr the official Beijing Tourism site:
. https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47OMwqsUDhP
Another from SCMP

Divine Chinese creatures that deliver prosperity, good fortune and health

As the Year of the Dragon gets underway, the Post explains the five creatures in Chinese culture that are widely believed to be auspicious.

www.scmp.com

My favs are the phoenix and qilin!

 

[dk168]

I went ahead. It is a "dragon's teeth" but this puzzles me, because it looks like a lovely flower to me. Maybe it is? I asked that it be drilled and a simple bail be attached.

I found the carving and lines very appealing.

If it was mine, I would mount it with a simple claw mount with a bail, and not drill through it to add a bail, as it is too cute and nice as it is.

DK

 

[MMtwo]

If it was mine, I would mount it with a simple claw mount with a bail, and not drill through it to add a bail, as it is too cute and nice as it is.

DK

I will know for next time. They are already working on the hole which will include a bail. Probably will be more after this. In hind sight though, your solution is very appealing.

 

[Crimson]

@Crimson what a gorgeous ruyi. It is glowing, you’re a sweet sister. Bet she was thrilled!

The tray of goodies is amazing. Ruby red and bright green is a stunning visual. The bee earrings are darling. The green in the long earrings looks like it would be seen across the room. So vivid.

Glad you like them! Yes my sister loves the jadeite ruyi; it goes with almost everything.
The jadeite and ruby photo was taken in the sunshine.
I waited a year for the long jadeite earrings to go on sale, all the time praying no one would buy them.
I bought the ruby after examining it under a loupe and guessing that it was unheated. Despite the ruby being over 4 cts, the jeweler hadn’t had it tested. However, this was my regular, trusted jeweller. So I paid and asked them to get it certified. The lab found that the ruby was unheated and from Burma - yay!

 

[MMtwo]

Glad you like them! Yes my sister loves the jadeite ruyi; it goes with almost everything.
The jadeite and ruby photo was taken in the sunshine.
I waited a year for the long jadeite earrings to go on sale, all the time praying no one would buy them.
I bought the ruby after examining it under a loupe and guessing that it was unheated. Despite the ruby being over 4 cts, the jeweler hadn’t had it tested. However, this was my regular, trusted jeweller. So I paid and asked them to get it certified. The lab found that the ruby was unheated and from Burma - yay!

Oh my gosh, that was so, so fortunate with the ruby! So happy for your find. The stone is fabulous.
Do you have any ear shots of the long earrings? Would love to see them.