Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[Crimson]

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!

My dear @mellowyellowgirl those are not low end. You started collecting earlier so you enjoyed the good prices

 

[Crimson]

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).

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

 

[Pomelo]

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

Ah interesting about NGTC, thanks - tbh I think it feels safer to buy higher quality jadeite from HK.

Haha, well spotted on my malachite top! I’ve been eyeing up tops with neutral agate print too

Regarding thickness: is there a “standard” that should be met (like 60%ish for diamonds)? Or does it depend on the design? I’ve noticed that Buddhas and Guanyin tend to be thinner than ruyi, bi and cabochons.

 

[MMtwo]

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:

Just wow, this trip was so much fun to see. All of the stones are so lovely. I am rather partial to the 200w that you show, including the "simple" setting. Also love the simple 90w earring studs. It is hard to comprehend the prices though.
They all look beautiful on you!

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

I love that color green.

 

[MMtwo]

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

Thanks! I usually don't layer that much, but have been wearing the lavender beads and new lavender bi together. I did just have a concern though. As you referred to the bi as traditional symbol, do you think this could be found offensive if I wear it? I try to avoid items that could be seen as religious or sacred out of respect.

 

[Crimson]

Thanks! I usually don't layer that much, but have been wearing the lavender beads and new lavender bi together. I did just have a concern though. As you referred to the bi as traditional symbol, do you think this could be found offensive if I wear it? I try to avoid items that could be seen as religious or sacred out of respect.

Awww, you are so sweet. No , I don’t think it would be considered offensive. It is a cultural symbol rather than a religious one. Bi was modeled after ritual jade of neoloithic times but had shedded its religious significance by the time of Confucius. It represents more of a wish or a charm for protection. Many Chinese routinely buy one for their infants. it represents a wish or hope for peace and protection rather than a religious belief. A bi is also called a “平安扣’ “ping an koi” or peace catch (or buckle/button). Chinese like “平安无事’ - peace and nothing untoward happening”. Hence there is another kind of pendant called ‘无事牌 . It has nothing literally happening on the surface just a plain piece of jadeite. Here are some.

 

[Crimson]

Ah interesting about NGTC, thanks - tbh I think it feels safer to buy higher quality jadeite from HK.

Haha, well spotted on my malachite top! I’ve been eyeing up tops with neutral agate print too

Regarding thickness: is there a “standard” that should be met (like 60%ish for diamonds)? Or does it depend on the design? I’ve noticed that Buddhas and Guanyin tend to be thinner than ruyi, bi and cabochons.

Yes I feel the same about buying fr Hong Kong, partly because of HK Jade and Stone lab. I also find the designs more interesting.
Ooh, when you get the agate shirt please share a pic! Such fun.
Re: Thickness, I haven’t examined many Buddha or Guanyin pieces so I cannot comment. There isn’t a strict guideline and it depends on the shape of the piece.For cabochons there are desirable proportions - balanced ovals with domes that are fuller rather than shallower e.g., a good oval stone could be 14x10x4or5 mm. The trouble with some retailers is that they measure the depth including the setting. So it is quite misleading. Jadeite that is too shallow may be more easily damaged. Jadeite can be cut thin to give the impression of translucency or make the most of an overly dark colour. You see this particularly in Guatemalan stones, which have rich colour, but are a usually darker green or bluish green. Burma jadeite can usually take a fuller shape because of superior colour and quality.

 

[SparklieBug]

Wow! Awesome thread! I just read through it all (so very informative, thank you!), and love all the photos! Turns out my eye is drawn to the most beautiful (subjective), and expensive (horrible to see!) pieces. I would love a bi someday, and a flat bracelet.

 

[MMtwo]

Wow! Awesome thread! I just read through it all (so very informative, thank you!), and love all the photos! Turns out my eye is drawn to the most beautiful (subjective), and expensive (horrible to see!) pieces. I would love a bi someday, and a flat bracelet.

This is my most treasured thread. Even if I just drool on the screen sometimes.

 

[Crimson]

Wow! Awesome thread! I just read through it all (so very informative, thank you!), and love all the photos! Turns out my eye is drawn to the most beautiful (subjective), and expensive (horrible to see!) pieces. I would love a bi someday, and a flat bracelet.

Thank you this whole thread, @SparklieBug , and for appreciating the posts. It is so lovely to have a this community!
Haha, yes, jadeite prices can be astounding - it shows how much people love it. At the same time, the wide price range and efforts to use up every bit of a Jade boulder make jade more accessible.
May I ask what you mean by a “flat bracelet”? Would it be something like the ones below/? The first photo below is from a Singapore shop and the others are from WeChat stores.

 

[Crimson]

This is my most treasured thread. Even if I just drool on the screen sometimes.

Aww thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, liked it or looked at it. Big hugs

 

[SparklieBug]

Thank you this whole thread, @SparklieBug , and for appreciating the posts. It is so lovely to have a this community!
Haha, yes, jadeite prices can be astounding - it shows how much people love it. At the same time, the wide price range and efforts to use up every bit of a Jade boulder make jade more accessible.
May I ask what you mean by a “flat bracelet”?

Yes, this is a wonderful community for all things sparklie and beautiful.

I saw a "flat" bracelet somewhere that looked more like a Cartier Love bracelet shape rather than being rounded on the top (halfmoon?) or fully rounded.

I was just speaking with my sister this morning who mentioned that she's somehow misplaced her bi! Yikes! She thinks it's not lost, just simply misplaced somewhere. But where?! She has a beautiful bi from my mom's family—as the eldest child she inherited some lovely jade pieces.

 

[dk168]

I have posted my collection of Jade pieces in a separate thread:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-collection-of-jade-pieces.288410/

DK

 

[Crimson]

Yes, this is a wonderful community for all things sparklie and beautiful.

I saw a "flat" bracelet somewhere that looked more like a Cartier Love bracelet shape rather than being rounded on the top (halfmoon?) or fully rounded.

I was just speaking with my sister this morning who mentioned that she's somehow misplaced her bi! Yikes! She thinks it's not lost, just simply misplaced somewhere. But where?! She has a beautiful bi from my mom's family—as the eldest child she inherited some lovely jade pieces.

Yikes! I hope your sister finds the bi soon.
Today, I misplaced a ruby, haha I thank goodness Ii found it after about 15 min. I thought my whole afternoon would be spent scouring the floor.
Thanks for explaining about the bracelet, @SparklieBug . I shall keep a lookout!

 

[MMtwo]

Awww, you are so sweet. No , I don’t think it would be considered offensive. It is a cultural symbol rather than a religious one. Bi was modeled after ritual jade of neoloithic times but had shedded its religious significance by the time of Confucius. It represents more of a wish or a charm for protection. Many Chinese routinely buy one for their infants. it represents a wish or hope for peace and protection rather than a religious belief. A bi is also called a “平安扣’ “ping an koi” or peace catch (or buckle/button). Chinese like “平安无事’ - peace and nothing untoward happening”. Hence there is another kind of pendant called ‘无事牌 . It has nothing literally happening on the surface just a plain piece of jadeite. Here are some.

Thank you so much for your continued help, support and information! Sorry for the delay, I have been unwell and didn't have much energy to write as much as this reply deserved. You are so generous with your explanations. As always, thank you!

Very interesting that the "nothing happening" means peace. But it exactly does! I have seen these and wondered about them. Love the drool worthy examples you have here. That glow! Also, I love the contrast of the simple form and the diamonds to offset it. Just lovely!

 

[dk168]

As seen in Christie's IG today!



DK

 

[MMtwo]

Someone buy those beads!

 

[MMtwo]

Incoming goodies
Guatamalen jadeite earrings from JadeDiver - Allan Spehar


An icy little pendant in 18k from Kathy Jade

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Beautiful!!!! Haha I first read the Kathy one as Guatemalan and did a double take!

 

[dk168]

Someone buy those beads!

My piggy bank will stretch to Aventurine!

DK

 

[MMtwo]

Beautiful!!!! Haha I first read the Kathy one as Guatemalan and did a double take!

HA, that would be a shocker.
Also, let me add this, I sent three pieces of Kathy Jade in to Mason Kay and all three tested A jade. Not surprised at all, but nice to have confirmation.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

HA, that would be a shocker.
Also, let me add this, I sent three pieces of Kathy Jade in to Mason Kay and all three tested A jade. Not surprised at all, but nice to have confirmation.

So handy for you to have that service! Makes buying so much easier!

 

[Seastheday]

Incoming goodies
Guatamalen jadeite earrings from JadeDiver - Allan Spehar


An icy little pendant in 18k from Kathy Jade

I love the rich color palette of each of these pieces! The gorgeous gold with the green in the first pair reminds me of a sunrise

 

[Seastheday]

As seen in Christie's IG today!



DK

I saw a strand listed on Lang’s for “only” $180k; although, curious if folks think the color is actual imperial? Photos below (IMHO I can’t tell via the photos but the beads don’t look that translucent nor vibrant to be worth a nice down payment on a house! The degree of color matching is pretty incredible though.)

 

[Crimson]

I saw a strand listed on Lang’s for “only” $180k; although, curious if folks think the color is actual imperial? Photos below (IMHO I can’t tell via the photos but the beads don’t look that translucent nor vibrant to be worth a nice down payment on a house! The degree of color matching is pretty incredible though.)

@Seastheday Thanks for sharing! Since there are so many beads for “only” 180K it is a good buy The large pair of imperial green earrings that I shared on this thread is about the same price.
Imperial green should be lively in light. It’s not just a colour, but the material (fine texture, homogeneity, glossy or highly icy) that produces that effect. Maybe there wasn’t enough light, or these are really not imperial green beats. They look a little too dark and are not glowy.
The Christie’s ones that @dk168 posted have that glow!

 

[Crimson]

Incoming goodies
Guatamalen jadeite earrings from JadeDiver - Allan Spehar


An icy little pendant in 18k from Kathy Jade

@MMtwo I hope you are feeling much better! No worries at all about the delay. We are all trying to juggle our lives and other responsibilities while chatting about our jadeite and gems. You are on a roll! I love those earrings, they look so dramatic. The pendant looks nice and watery. Please share both photos when you receive them.

 

[MMtwo]

I love the rich color palette of each of these pieces! The gorgeous gold with the green in the first pair reminds me of a sunrise

Thank you! The color caught me too! Very unusual so of course I escaped ban island.

@MMtwo I hope you are feeling much better! No worries at all about the delay. We are all trying to juggle our lives and other responsibilities while chatting about our jadeite and gems. You are on a roll! I love those earrings, they look so dramatic. The pendant looks nice and watery. Please share both photos when you receive them.

Thank you my friend I was proud of that little drop. I skipped by a few times but when I saw it, it looked so much like a real drop of something wet, I had to escape from ban island again.

Also I saw this adorable little snake. I should not buy him right now but he is so cute. I can’t stop visiting him

 

[MMtwo]

Update, my husband thinks snakes are bad news, and this pendant points to the fall of man.

Not sure what his point is....

 

[asterismdispersion]

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!

Your jade is beautiful and none of it looks low end in the slightest.

Years ago I was told not to tread into the waters of jade since there was a lifetime of learning to undertake to grasp its qualities and treatments. I eventually disobeyed this advice, collecting a group of jadeite pieces in the past couple of years, prioritizing color over texture. I chose a couple of carvings, three cabochons measuring around 10x8 mm, a pair of stickpins, and a ring.

The dragon is a scepter shape, somewhat resembling a catfish in the face, with a base to displayed on.

The gold stickpin is from the Art Nouveau / Art Nouveau period circa 1905 featuring a ginkgo leaf motif. Its cabochon is a very thin slice, approximately 12x9 mm, with fibrous pattern running through the material. It's a very interesting piece to me, since the light catches the jade in an effect like stained glass, and from a polite distance the green is much brighter in person than photos show.

The stickpin in the white metal is an Art Deco piece circa 1920-1930 featuring a cabochon around 9mm round. The pictures in the eBay auction listing were lit terribly, but it wasn't cheap and only offered for purchase with "buy it now," so I waited for an eBay coupon to snag this stickpin. The green is quite vivid in this piece though the jade is not so high in translucency.

Both of the stickpin jades have some orange peel texture to them.


I really liked the carving of the parrot on the peanut so I bought it on a whim. Thus I put it on a nylon cord and wear it on days I am feeling whimsical. I suppose the color is on the pale and ghostly end of the lavender spectrum.

My largest jadeite cabochon is the one in this unusual gold ring from circa 1930 with a Greek key pattern. This cabochon has some dark blackish green lines, in addition to the lighter zones of color, and the dome is lumpy/uneven on one side. GIA measured this to be about 13×10mm and determined it A jade / natural color.

 

[asterismdispersion]

Closing out with my loose cabochon jades...


All three of these cabochons were sent to GIA and were found to be A jade/natural color.

The darker green is slightly larger than the other two, and it is a much brighter green in better lighting, represented as icy, (tree), and sunny to me by the seller. They also had a smaller, thinner cabochon that was spicy, (hot chili pepper), which had a more intense green hue, greater translucency, more even color, and a more noticeable blackish green dot on the dome...I preferred the overall proportions of this stone, though, and it was 1/3 of the spicy jade's price. From the back, held up to the light, the center of this sunny cabochon looks like the color of chlorophyll and I think that is so cool.

The lighter green cabochon is more opaque, with more white present in the stone, but its color pops bright and cheery so I enjoy it very much. It's rather minty and looks the most consistent of the three across different lighting situations.

The lavender jade is, I assume, more blue than the trade prefers, since it has a look that resembles chalcedony. GIA confirmed it to be jadeite and labeled the color as violet rather than lavender. I think it is a fascinating little jade, shifting character in different lighting conditions like a sapphire, from silky violet tinge to a more moon-like texture and grayish coloration. I have a friend who rehabilitates birds and they think this is my most beautiful piece of jadeite since it reminds them of pigeons and doves.