Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[Crimson]

This beautiful fish pendant is one of my fav pieces at my local jewellery store. It is made of rubies, diamonds and lavender jadeite. The lavender jadeite is not as lively as it looks in the photo. I find that lavender jadeite often looks better in photos than in real life.


Smuggling in this panda because it’s cute. There’s no jadeite in it, but it reminded me of the chubby lavender jadeite panda that @MMtwo posted. This one has black diamonds, tourmaline and tsavorites.



This is a very traditional jadeite “bi” pendant. It’s remarkably clean and highly translucent, very watery. You can see my fingers through it, even though it 7-8mm thick.
This checks the boxes for size, thickness, workmanship, water and a bit of green.

Which of the three do you like best? Which do you think costs the most? Please share! Thanks.

 

[Starstruck8]

I love the jadeite bi. It has wonderful translucency and glow, bulging thickness, a bit of subtle green colour and elegant understated design. Traditional maybe, but traditions become traditions for a reason.

The fish is very ingenious and has harmonious colour. It could be a conversation piece. The panda doesn't grab me.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I love the fish best and I think it is totally my jam. My guess is that the bi is the most expensive as it has all the qualities that are valuable in jadeite.

 

[Brigid]

The “bi” pendant is lovely! The water, colours and pave diamonds it’s my pick of the three.

 

[Pomelo]

This beautiful fish pendant is one of my fav pieces at my local jewellery store. It is made of rubies, diamonds and lavender jadeite. The lavender jadeite is not as lively as it looks in the photo. I find that lavender jadeite often looks better in photos than in real life.


Smuggling in this panda because it’s cute. There’s no jadeite in it, but it reminded me of the chubby lavender jadeite panda that @MMtwo posted. This one has black diamonds, tourmaline and tsavorites.



This is a very traditional jadeite “bi” pendant. It’s remarkably clean and highly translucent, very watery. You can see my fingers through it, even though it 7-8mm thick.
This checks the boxes for size, thickness, workmanship, water and a bit of green.

Which of the three do you like best? Which do you think costs the most? Please share! Thanks.

I like the whimsical design of the lavender fish but think the bi (with its superior water and more desirable colourway) is most expensive. I’d be curious to know the price difference between the two!

 

[Pomelo]

I went jade window-shopping/trying in one of the high end jadeite stores in Beijing.

Jadeite has never appealed a huuuge amount to me, but then I realised it was because I was shopping in the wrong place.

There is jadeite (and nephrite) in many many stores and shopping malls, but very few have the “good stuff”, and it’s hard to part with $$$ without knowing for sure what you’re buying.

Prices marked on here is in RMB, but note that the figures are in “w” or “wan” meaning 10,000 rather than “k” for 1,000 (Chinese numbers go up in 10,000 units which is so confusing!). So 10w is 100,000 RMB, which is USD 13,750.

The most expensive ring was 300w RMB or just over USD 400k. The cheapest was a pair of small earrings at 9w or USD 12k. Yikes! The prices make me twitch but the items were really beautiful!

I’m so glad I tried on a range of colours (and price points!) - it’s made me much more aware of (1) what is “fine” jadeite, (2) what I like/dislike, (3) what I’m willing to trade off.

@Crimson the salesperson was very keen to take me outside to view the rings in daylight. It was around 5pm “golden hour” and they looked fabulous! Just wondering what your typical process is for viewing / assessing jade pieces (eg do you view them multiple times in different times of day / weather conditions?) - and how do you make a decision on whether to purchase?

Rings:




Earrings:

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I went jade window-shopping/trying in one of the high end jadeite stores in Beijing.

Jadeite has never appealed a huuuge amount to me, but then I realised it was because I was shopping in the wrong place.

There is jadeite (and nephrite) in many many stores and shopping malls, but very few have the “good stuff”, and it’s hard to part with $$$ without knowing for sure what you’re buying.

Prices marked on here is in RMB, but note that the figures are in “w” or “wan” meaning 10,000 rather than “k” for 1,000 (Chinese numbers go up in 10,000 units which is so confusing!). So 10w is 100,000 RMB, which is USD 13,750.

The most expensive ring was 300w RMB or just over USD 400k. The cheapest was a pair of small earrings at 9w or USD 12k. Yikes! The prices make me twitch but the items were really beautiful!

I’m so glad I tried on a range of colours (and price points!) - it’s made me much more aware of (1) what is “fine” jadeite, (2) what I like/dislike, (3) what I’m willing to trade off.

@Crimson the salesperson was very keen to take me outside to view the rings in daylight. It was around 5pm “golden hour” and they looked fabulous! Just wondering what your typical process is for viewing / assessing jade pieces (eg do you view them multiple times in different times of day / weather conditions?) - and how do you make a decision on whether to purchase?

Rings:




Earrings:

I have no words!!!!!!

Except to thank you for the pics!

 

[Pomelo]

I have no words!!!!!!

Except to thank you for the pics!

I wonder if I’ve spoiled my eyes too much with my first jadeite shopping experience…!

Which is your fave piece?

To everyone: I would love to know what pieces everyone likes the most, and if prices were eg 10x cheaper (to bring them into a more “affordable” range), which would you choose to buy? Ie the price difference between the pieces remain, but we don’t need to imagine having USD 400k for an imperial jade ring

 

[Pomelo]

I went jade window-shopping/trying in one of the high end jadeite stores in Beijing.

Jadeite has never appealed a huuuge amount to me, but then I realised it was because I was shopping in the wrong place.

There is jadeite (and nephrite) in many many stores and shopping malls, but very few have the “good stuff”, and it’s hard to part with $$$ without knowing for sure what you’re buying.

Prices marked on here is in RMB, but note that the figures are in “w” or “wan” meaning 10,000 rather than “k” for 1,000 (Chinese numbers go up in 10,000 units which is so confusing!). So 10w is 100,000 RMB, which is USD 13,750.

The most expensive ring was 300w RMB or just over USD 400k. The cheapest was a pair of small earrings at 9w or USD 12k. Yikes! The prices make me twitch but the items were really beautiful!

I’m so glad I tried on a range of colours (and price points!) - it’s made me much more aware of (1) what is “fine” jadeite, (2) what I like/dislike, (3) what I’m willing to trade off.

@Crimson the salesperson was very keen to take me outside to view the rings in daylight. It was around 5pm “golden hour” and they looked fabulous! Just wondering what your typical process is for viewing / assessing jade pieces (eg do you view them multiple times in different times of day / weather conditions?) - and how do you make a decision on whether to purchase?

Rings:




Earrings:

Whoops, I just checked with the sales person and I got the prices wrong for the two most expensive rings.

The starting number is correct, but they’re 399w and 299w respectively, so… USD 550k and USD 410k Updated prices below.

To everyone: I would love to know what pieces everyone likes the most, and if prices were eg 10x cheaper (to bring them into a more “affordable” range), which would you choose to buy? Ie the price difference between the pieces remain, but we don’t need to imagine having USD 550k (not 400k hah!) for an imperial jade ring

And, to add a bit more info - the colour of these three rings are: imperial 帝王绿, spicy green 辣绿, sun green 阳绿


I think they mentioned imperial green for this large cabochon but it’s clearly of lower quality than the 399w jade (and much bigger in size!). Personally I think it looks more like the spicy green ring above!


I think the larger ring was a light apple green 苹果绿, and the other one is a sun green 阳绿


My brain was too tired to ask and remember the colours by the time we moved into earrings…

 

[Crimson]

Whoops, I just checked with the sales person and I got the prices wrong for the two most expensive rings.

The starting number is correct, but they’re 399w and 299w respectively, so… USD 550k and USD 410k Updated prices below.

To everyone: I would love to know what pieces everyone likes the most, and if prices were eg 10x cheaper (to bring them into a more “affordable” range), which would you choose to buy? Ie the price difference between the pieces remain, but we don’t need to imagine having USD 550k (not 400k hah!) for an imperial jade ring

And, to add a bit more info - the colour of these three rings are: imperial 帝王绿, spicy green 辣绿, sun green 阳绿


I think they mentioned imperial green for this large cabochon but it’s clearly of lower quality than the 399w jade (and much bigger in size!). Personally I think it looks more like the spicy green ring above!


I think the larger ring was a light apple green 苹果绿, and the other one is a sun green 阳绿


My brain was too tired to ask and remember the colours by the time we moved into earrings…

Whee! Thank you , @Pomelo for such a feast of jadeite photos! Wish I were there. Thank you recording all the prices, too! Were the prices flexible? Did they expect you to negotiate?
Yes, I look at jadeite pieces indoors and outdoors and under different lights (warm, white, mixed). Most important, under unfavourable light because jadeite loves the light. I have expensive taste - I went right to the top left one

 

[Crimson]

I love the jadeite bi. It has wonderful translucency and glow, bulging thickness, a bit of subtle green colour and elegant understated design. Traditional maybe, but traditions become traditions for a reason.

The fish is very ingenious and has harmonious colour. It could be a conversation piece. The panda doesn't grab me.

Yes, the “bi” is classic, elegant and versatile. It is understated, I agree.

I love the fish best and I think it is totally my jam. My guess is that the bi is the most expensive as it has all the qualities that are valuable in jadeite.

I thought you would enjoy the fish! It is such fun.

The “bi” pendant is lovely! The water, colours and pave diamonds it’s my pick of the three.

Ooh! So glad you like it. It is quiet and calming.

I like the whimsical design of the lavender fish but think the bi (with its superior water and more desirable colourway) is most expensive. I’d be curious to know the price difference between the two!

Thanks for choosing! So the votes for the bi and fish are tied

I thought the prices would be quite different.
The bi and the fish are about the same price,
I was rather surprised when I found out.
The fish earns its price more from design, and the bi from the jadeite itself.

 

[CMN]

My favourite design is the 300w one with side baguettes. But my favourite Jade, especially with the outdoor pictures, is the 400w one.

 

[dk168]

My favourite design is the 300w one with side baguettes. But my favourite Jade, especially with the outdoor pictures, is the 400w one.

I could be wrong, however, I believe they are one and the same, and that's my favourite too!

Wish I had 400w to spare!

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I can see why the 400w is superior but the 60w will meet my requirements just fine
There is a fullness to the $60w that I just love.

 

[Pomelo]

Whee! Thank you , @Pomelo for such a feast of jadeite photos! Wish I were there. Thank you recording all the prices, too! Were the prices flexible? Did they expect you to negotiate?
Yes, I look at jadeite pieces indoors and outdoors and under different lights (warm, white, mixed). Most important, under unfavourable light because jadeite loves the light. I have expensive taste - I went right to the top left one

I didn’t enquire into price negotiations as it was a fact-finding session more than anything, but the salesperson did say the store will participate in a 10x rewards scheme (essentially 10% off to use within the department store). I think I’ll take a look at a few more reputable jade stores before getting into price!

Thanks for sharing your process - is unfavourable light basically dim lighting?

 

[Pomelo]

My favourite design is the 300w one with side baguettes. But my favourite Jade, especially with the outdoor pictures, is the 400w one.

Yes mine too re: design of the 300w - that huge cabochon is set so simply. Actually, it comes with a huge ring jacket for the full bling effect, but that was too much for me!

I could be wrong, however, I believe they are one and the same, and that's my favourite too!

Wish I had 400w to spare!

DK

Haha don’t we all!!

I can see why the 400w is superior but the 60w will meet my requirements just fine
There is a fullness to the $60w that I just love.

I’m the same: 400w jadeite is amazing but if I can get the 47w ring for nearly 1/9 of the price, I’d put the extra funds elsewhere
The 60w is for the pair of earrings btw - so actually as a single, it’s “only” 30w!

 

[Starstruck8]

Thank you for this, @Pomelo. This shows (yet again) why I will never own a high-quality jadeite ring, though I would love one.

The 400w ring jumps out (shines, glows...) as the one I'd want, even with the price difference (playing pretend, of course). But if you had shown me the 47w ring by itself, without the comparison, I'd have thought it looked pretty good. A pretty subtle difference in quality makes a 9x (!) difference in price. So anyone without a lot of experience had better be very careful. How could you be confident that you were getting what you were paying for?

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Thank you for this, @Pomelo. This shows (yet again) why I will never own a high-quality jadeite ring, though I would love one.

The 400w ring jumps out (shines, glows...) as the one I'd want, even with the price difference (playing pretend, of course). But if you had shown me the 47w ring by itself, without the comparison, I'd have thought it looked pretty good. A pretty subtle difference in quality makes a 9x (!) difference in price. So anyone without a lot of experience had better be very careful. How could you be confident that you were getting what you were paying for?

Completely agree with you! I also feel the same way about pearls! There are pearls and then there are mega expensive pearls. I find comfort swimming in the affordable and cheerful pool where the goods look pretty enough to my eyes and I’m reasonably confident that at the very worst, I am only overcharged by a few hundred.

With jadeite I always aim for the greenest I can get and whittle it down to something affordable that’s not dry. It’s too hard at the top end! Haha not that I can afford it anyway!

 

[dk168]

Completely agree with you! I also feel the same way about pearls! There are pearls and then there are mega expensive pearls. I find comfort swimming in the affordable and cheerful pool where the goods look pretty enough to my eyes and I’m reasonably confident that at the very worst, I am only overcharged by a few hundred.

With jadeite I always aim for the greenest I can get and whittle it down to something affordable that’s not dry. It’s too hard at the top end! Haha not that I can afford it anyway!

Yup, same sentiments here, in that I am happy/satisfied with my lot.

Of course I would like bigger/better diamond/CS/pearl/whatever, hence I shall always have a Bling Wish List. However, I need to be realistic about what I can spare to put in the piggy bank for different purposes, and tax/house/vehicle/etc. comes before bling!

Besides, I have not had a good relationship with Jade, and am unlikely to purchase any. I kick myself for not asking my mum the large round piece of tri-colour Jade - green, white and lavender when she was alive, to be made into a pendant or just hanging it up as a memento of her. No chance of that now as I have cut off my brother since I got back from Vancouver in November 2024 for being frigging selfish.

DK

 

[Crimson]

I didn’t enquire into price negotiations as it was a fact-finding session more than anything, but the salesperson did say the store will participate in a 10x rewards scheme (essentially 10% off to use within the department store). I think I’ll take a look at a few more reputable jade stores before getting into price!

Thanks for sharing your process - is unfavourable light basically dim lighting?

I think the prices are all negotiable esp at what they are quoting you. But I still wouldn’t buy from these stores. I don’t want to waste energy negotiating and my Chinese isn’t great! Another concern is dubious certs. NGTC is the only cert I would trust for jadeite fr China.

Re: light, I check lavender in bright daylight, highly icy/glassy ones in low light (to see if they still have that lightbulb glow) and green in dim Light (just to make sure they are still green and glowy. Some just go awfully dark). But it is best to check under all conditions if the jeweller will allow. In Singapore I try to check under a cloudy sky or simulate one! Most greens look much more vibrant in sunlight.

I must say all these prices are making the bi look like a good buy
The bi - and the fish - are around 8.5 W ie, 12,700 USD and just shy of 20,000 AUD.

 

[Pomelo]

Thank you for this, @Pomelo. This shows (yet again) why I will never own a high-quality jadeite ring, though I would love one.

The 400w ring jumps out (shines, glows...) as the one I'd want, even with the price difference (playing pretend, of course). But if you had shown me the 47w ring by itself, without the comparison, I'd have thought it looked pretty good. A pretty subtle difference in quality makes a 9x (!) difference in price. So anyone without a lot of experience had better be very careful. How could you be confident that you were getting what you were paying for?

Completely agree - and it’s partly why I’ve steered clear of jadeite, because I don’t feel like I’m educated enough about it (yet!).

This is also why I find diamonds sooo much easier: 4C’s, relatively transparent pricing, it’s a pretty homogenous commodity…

Completely agree with you! I also feel the same way about pearls! There are pearls and then there are mega expensive pearls. I find comfort swimming in the affordable and cheerful pool where the goods look pretty enough to my eyes and I’m reasonably confident that at the very worst, I am only overcharged by a few hundred.

With jadeite I always aim for the greenest I can get and whittle it down to something affordable that’s not dry. It’s too hard at the top end! Haha not that I can afford it anyway!

Haha yes, I think for those of us who want to wear pieces (rather than collect the highest quality specimens), this is a great approach!

Yup, same sentiments here, in that I am happy/satisfied with my lot.

Of course I would like bigger/better diamond/CS/pearl/whatever, hence I shall always have a Bling Wish List. However, I need to be realistic about what I can spare to put in the piggy bank for different purposes, and tax/house/vehicle/etc. comes before bling!

Besides, I have not had a good relationship with Jade, and am unlikely to purchase any. I kick myself for not asking my mum the large round piece of tri-colour Jade - green, white and lavender when she was alive, to be made into a pendant or just hanging it up as a memento of her. No chance of that now as I have cut off my brother since I got back from Vancouver in November 2024 for being frigging selfish.

DK

Sorry to hear about what happened with your brother.

But DK, never say never re: buying jade. I saw quite a few pre-loved jadeite pieces in Japan so you never know, one might take your fancy when you make your trip there

 

[Crimson]

Thank you for this, @Pomelo. This shows (yet again) why I will never own a high-quality jadeite ring, though I would love one.

The 400w ring jumps out (shines, glows...) as the one I'd want, even with the price difference (playing pretend, of course). But if you had shown me the 47w ring by itself, without the comparison, I'd have thought it looked pretty good. A pretty subtle difference in quality makes a 9x (!) difference in price. So anyone without a lot of experience had better be very careful. How could you be confident that you were getting what you were paying for?

Yes, jadeite is intimidating that way. So many variables and so many nuances. I usually take some time and a few visits to decide.
@Pomelo my friends from China tell me the prices could be bargained down by 30-50% of the initial quote. That sounds exhausting though! I don’t buy jewellery on vacation because i have limited time to consider and I might not be able to return it.

Completely agree with you! I also feel the same way about pearls! There are pearls and then there are mega expensive pearls. I find comfort swimming in the affordable and cheerful pool where the goods look pretty enough to my eyes and I’m reasonably confident that at the very worst, I am only overcharged by a few hundred.

I agree. Beyond a certain point, an expensive jewel can become anxiety-inducing. Will I lose or or break it? What if I knock it, will I be followed or stalked, will I make others uncomfortable, etc. it ceases to be a source of pleasure and becomes a burden. I do have pieces that I keep as stores of value but I don’t wear them often.

 

[Pomelo]

I think the prices are all negotiable esp at what they are quoting you. But I still wouldn’t buy from these stores. I don’t want to waste energy negotiating and my Chinese isn’t great! Another concern is dubious certs. NGTC is the only cert I would trust for jadeite fr China.

Re: light, I check lavender in bright daylight, highly icy/glassy ones in low light (to see if they still have that lightbulb glow) and green in dim Light (just to make sure they are still green and glowy. Some just go awfully dark). But it is best to check under all conditions if the jeweller will allow. In Singapore I try to check under a cloudy sky or simulate one! Most greens look much more vibrant in sunlight.

I must say all these prices are making the bi look like a good buy
The bi - and the fish - are around 8.5 W ie, 12,700 USD and just shy of 20,000 AUD.

Great point about the certs! Here is theirs, and it doesn’t look like it’s NGTC.


RE: negotiating, it’s so tiring and tough to know what is a starting point! Plus it’s not like we can compare items from different vendors as a side-by-side (sadly).

Thanks for your feedback on lighting - well noted. I guess that’s why they kept shining a bright light at my face when I was trying on the earrings

Haha, are you tempted by the bi? I must confess, I was looking up images on how to wear traditional symbols (like Buddhas and bi) in a more modern fashion. I just don’t know how I would style them for my wardrobe yet (although that would be nice problem to have, haha).

 

[Crimson]

Yup, same sentiments here, in that I am happy/satisfied with my lot.

Of course I would like bigger/better diamond/CS/pearl/whatever, hence I shall always have a Bling Wish List. However, I need to be realistic about what I can spare to put in the piggy bank for different purposes, and tax/house/vehicle/etc. comes before bling!

Besides, I have not had a good relationship with Jade, and am unlikely to purchase any. I kick myself for not asking my mum the large round piece of tri-colour Jade - green, white and lavender when she was alive, to be made into a pendant or just hanging it up as a memento of her. No chance of that now as I have cut off my brother since I got back from Vancouver in November 2024 for being frigging selfish.

DK

Division of assets can be so painful. So sorry it turned out this way.
Your Mom’s tri-colour jadeite sounds lovely and you have precious memories of it.

 

[dk168]

Division of assets can be so painful. So sorry it turned out this way.

I was not allowed to take anything as keepsakes, not even a sun hat, or a crystal pendant, nothing of value, as he wanted to keep them.

So I turned round (via WA) and said - keep them all, keep everything including my share of her estate, he can go and sort out her estate on his own, I am washing my hands from it.

Don't care - my mental state is just as important as his, and he is not the only one who has lost a parent.

I have all her jewellery given to me when she was alive, the piece of Jade was the only thing of value left, and I did not insist on taking it in April 2024 when I was in Vancouver before her health went downhill, as I don't have a good relationship with Jade.

Hey ho.

DK

 

[dk168]

Sorry to hear about what happened with your brother.

But DK, never say never re: buying jade. I saw quite a few pre-loved jadeite pieces in Japan so you never know, one might take your fancy when you make your trip there

Thanks. I have always said blood may be thicker than water, however I did not chose my family and do not have to like them!

I shall repurpose the Jade pieces I have from my mum (that reminds me I need to take some photos).

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Let me cheapen this thread with my low end items! They make me sooooo happy though! And the lavender is just as lavender as my AliExpress dress!

 

[MMtwo]

So many gorgeous pieces. Love the lavender fish @Crimson.

I have a new lavender, inexpensive bi from Kathyjade. Wearing all the beads like a jadeite hoarder I really love the lavender on.

Loving this thread. I cannot collect the high dollar stuff, but I really enjoy the photos!

 

[MMtwo]

Let me cheapen this thread with my low end items! They make me sooooo happy though! And the lavender is just as lavender as my AliExpress dress!

looooove that bangle!

 

[Crimson]

So many gorgeous pieces. Love the lavender fish @Crimson.

I have a new lavender, inexpensive bi from Kathyjade. Wearing all the beads like a jadeite hoarder I really love the lavender on.

Loving this thread. I cannot collect the high dollar stuff, but I really enjoy the photos!

Love the layering! The hues accompany one another so well - and they harmonize with your eyes. Just magical ! With that amount of jadeite, and the bi you are highly protected