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?

 

[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

 

[Crimson]

@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!R

Re: £1 the main thing is to buy from a reputable jeweller who will take care of the checks and perform all the quality control. That is why I buy my jadeite from On Cheong. Their QC is superb and the jadeite passes through many rounds of inspection. Of course I still examine it with a loupe and bright light too,
Root lines are fine. they are not breaks/fissures. so not to worry!

 

[Bookwyrm]

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.

The seller (littlejadeitehouse) was saying it's "extinct" denim blue Burmese jadeite, which was quite surprising. I wouldn't know how to tell the difference between Guatemalan and Burmese, and there's no certificate, but he said it was something to do with the granular structure? He also said it doesn't go dark in indoor lighting (thank you for th reminder to ask <3), but didn't send a video, so I guess I'll have to take his word for it I'm honestly not too sure if I'll get it...the one on the very right in the pictures I posted is the only one available to me, and it appears a bit lighter than the others.

Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see your new ruby item! Burmese...unheated...vivid red!!! The dream! I would love to see a family picture of all your ruby pieces some day if you have the time!

 

[Bookwyrm]

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

Thank you for the recommendations! I'll check them out tomorrow!

Root lines are fine. they are not breaks/fissures. so not to worry!

Just curious, what's the difference between root lines and fissures? Would the small darker patches along the right side my pear be considered root lines? They appear kind of greyish in certain lightings, like an impurity or something...I was told they don't affect the structural durability so I hope they're nothing too serious. They're not noticeable unless I look closely, so they generally don't bother me too much.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Hmm what do you guys think of denim blue jadeite?

Oh my goodness... is this the natural color (undyed)?

 

[Bookwyrm]

Oh my goodness... is this the natural color (undyed)?

Yep! A very unique colour for Burmese jadeite, or so I was told. The rest of the parcel sold pretty much immediately after he posted them…

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yep! A very unique colour for Burmese jadeite, or so I was told. The rest of the parcel sold pretty much immediately after he posted them…

My dream jadeite piece would to have a sampler of all the shades.

 

[Crimson]

The seller (littlejadeitehouse) was saying it's "extinct" denim blue Burmese jadeite, which was quite surprising. I wouldn't know how to tell the difference between Guatemalan and Burmese, and there's no certificate, but he said it was something to do with the granular structure? He also said it doesn't go dark in indoor lighting (thank you for th reminder to ask <3), but didn't send a video, so I guess I'll have to take his word for it I'm honestly not too sure if I'll get it...the one on the very right in the pictures I posted is the only one available to me, and it appears a bit lighter than the others.

Haha, not "extinct". Don't be taken in by the "last piece" tactic!
There are still others on the market. Yokdee has quite a number of pieces. This one is cute.

15.9mm Icy A-Grade Natural Royal Blue Jadeite Jade Calabash Ring (Collector's Item) No.161292

Blue has always been my favourite for gemstones irregardless of which. I get mesmerised by this calm colour tone, always picture blue to be the colour of royalty, grace, beauty and above all, the colour of the sky and seas~ This indeed is a very rare jadeite piece, royal blue calabash mount in...

www.yokdee.com

Nanyang Jade has some pieces too. The thing with blue is that we must be very careful they don't wander into "oily" or "petroleum" territory.

The good thing is blues are usually priced lower than greens. Guatemalan Olmec blue is quite attractive.
I've seen some blue jadeites from Burma that look ethereal, but are priced accordingly.

Thank you for the recommendations! I'll check them out tomorrow!


Just curious, what's the difference between root lines and fissures? Would the small darker patches along the right side my pear be considered root lines? They appear kind of greyish in certain lightings, like an impurity or something...I was told they don't affect the structural durability so I hope they're nothing too serious. They're not noticeable unless I look closely, so they generally don't bother me too much.

Fissures are actually minuscule breaks but roots are actually where the colour is strongest and seems to emanate. No breaks there. I think yours is just an inclusion, not a break of any sort. It is normal to find these in jadeite, even those of superior colour or texture.

My dream jadeite piece would to have a sampler of all the shades.

It would be a gigantic piece because there are so many shades! Maybe it would have to be a garment.

 

[Crimson]

@Bookwyrm
More blue jadeite, from Li-Hong Jade

https://www.lihongjade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=blue

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Changed bangles today and all this talk about colour roots made me pay attention to mine!

 

[Pomelo]

@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?

I haven’t seriously shopped for jade before this year so I’m afraid I don’t really know! But I am pretty sure the general quality of the pieces will be better than the US, and probably cheaper too. I haven’t had the good fortune to understand the Singapore market but Crimson has you covered there!

If you have the chance, definitely shop around in HK or look at some of the auctions that heavily feature jadeite!

 

[newtojewels]

@Bookwyrm
More blue jadeite, from Li-Hong Jade

https://www.lihongjade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=blue

Let's say that I also hypothetically like blue and hypothetically wanted to get my first jadeite and definitely knew nothing about it despite following this thread and hypothetically didn't want to spend a ton.

If that were hypothetically all true, what would we think about this ring for me? https://www.lihongjade.com/highly-t...lue-jadeite-dreamy-winter-ring-jad001234.html

Or potentially these earrings? https://www.lihongjade.com/highly-t...lue-jadeite-le-cubism-earrings-jaa001207.html

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Bookwyrm
More blue jadeite, from Li-Hong Jade

https://www.lihongjade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=blue

I've never seen blue jadeite before these posts... it is utterly enchanting!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Let's say that I also hypothetically like blue and hypothetically wanted to get my first jadeite and definitely knew nothing about it despite following this thread and hypothetically didn't want to spend a ton.

If that were hypothetically all true, what would we think about this ring for me? https://www.lihongjade.com/highly-t...lue-jadeite-dreamy-winter-ring-jad001234.html

Or potentially these earrings? https://www.lihongjade.com/highly-t...lue-jadeite-le-cubism-earrings-jaa001207.html

Hypothetically, I will be following this scenario now! Realistically, I have zero knowledge to aid in any decision making, but those stones look like the most glorious blue chalcedony. The problem with blue chalcedony is - it fades! And jadeite does not. Secretly, I really want you to buy one of these pieces!!

 

[newtojewels]

Hypothetically, I will be following this scenario now! Realistically, I have zero knowledge to aid in any decision making, but those stones look like the most glorious blue chalcedony. The problem with blue chalcedony is - it fades! And jadeite does not. Secretly, I really want you to buy one of these pieces!!

Then let's both hope people who actually know things weigh in!

 

[Seastheday]

Changed bangles today and all this talk about colour roots made me pay attention to mine!

This is beautiful to me because the color lines delineate its miniature geological history!

 

[Crimson]

Hypothetically, I will be following this scenario now! Realistically, I have zero knowledge to aid in any decision making, but those stones look like the most glorious blue chalcedony. The problem with blue chalcedony is - it fades! And jadeite does not. Secretly, I really want you to buy one of these pieces!!

Yes, there is some resemblance between jadeite and chalcedony. Chalcedony has been used as a jadeite simulant.
You are right that the colour of jadeite is not prone to fading. Here's for you to look at! Jadestory has some lovely blues.
These remind me very much of chalcedony

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

This exquisite pair of earrings embody minimalist elegance, where simplicity and sophistication meet in perfect harmony. Each earring features a highly translucent, smooth blue lavender jadeite stone, its subtle hues of soft blue and delicate lavender gently transitioning across its surface. The...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

Indigo

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

A pair of Type A blue jadeite earrings adorned with a halo of diamonds is a vision of elegance and sophistication. Imagine each earring featuring a lustrous blue jadeite cabochon, exuding a serene azure hue reminiscent of tranquil waters or a clear summer sky. The smooth surface of the jadeite...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

Pale baby blue

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

The Type A blue jadeite necklace, in a serene light blue hue, evokes the calm, expansive horizon where the sea meets the sky, offering a sense of boundless peace and elegance. Its gentle blue color is soothing and calming, evoking a sense of tranquility and timeless beauty, making it the ideal...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

 

[Autumn in New England]

This is beautiful to me because the color lines delineate its miniature geological history!

That is such a cool way to look at it... @mellowyellowgirl has the most lovely bangles!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yes, there is some resemblance between jadeite and chalcedony. Chalcedony has been used as a jadeite simulant.
You are right that the colour of jadeite is not prone to fading. Here's for you to look at! Jadestory has some lovely blues.
These remind me very much of chalcedony

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

This exquisite pair of earrings embody minimalist elegance, where simplicity and sophistication meet in perfect harmony. Each earring features a highly translucent, smooth blue lavender jadeite stone, its subtle hues of soft blue and delicate lavender gently transitioning across its surface. The...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

Indigo

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

A pair of Type A blue jadeite earrings adorned with a halo of diamonds is a vision of elegance and sophistication. Imagine each earring featuring a lustrous blue jadeite cabochon, exuding a serene azure hue reminiscent of tranquil waters or a clear summer sky. The smooth surface of the jadeite...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

Pale baby blue

Icy and High Translucent Jadeite Earrings

The Type A blue jadeite necklace, in a serene light blue hue, evokes the calm, expansive horizon where the sea meets the sky, offering a sense of boundless peace and elegance. Its gentle blue color is soothing and calming, evoking a sense of tranquility and timeless beauty, making it the ideal...

www.jadestorysingapore.com

Wow... just wow. May I ask a favor? @Bookwyrm has renewed my interest (that you started) in learning about fine jadeite. I know much has already been said about all of this, but I thought it might be nice to have it condensed into one post. If it already exists, please direct me to it. When you have time, if you have time (lol), would you please post an example of what you consider to be the finest example of each color (I know there are a lot... maybe just your favorites like green, lavender, blue, etc.) in one post? And maybe tell us briefly why it is exceptional? I think it would be a neat tool for quick reference. But don't feel obligated if it's too much trouble... I don't want to burden you either!

 

[Crimson]

Wow... just wow. May I ask a favor? @Bookwyrm has renewed my interest (that you started) in learning about fine jadeite. I know much has already been said about all of this, but I thought it might be nice to have it condensed into one post. If it already exists, please direct me to it. When you have time, if you have time (lol), would you please post an example of what you consider to be the finest example of each color (I know there are a lot... maybe just your favorites like green, lavender, blue, etc.) in one post? And maybe tell us briefly why it is exceptional? I think it would be a neat tool for quick reference. But don't feel obligated if it's too much trouble... I don't want to burden you either!

You mean… reference stones? A tall order, Hehe but I shall try, bit by bit.
The posts with essential
Jadeite info are #1, 4, 15 and 18. Not sure how to combine all - it will be a very long post.

 

[Autumn in New England]

You mean… reference stones? A tall order, Hehe but I shall try, bit by bit.
The posts with essential
Jadeite info are #1, 4, 15 and 18. Not sure how to combine all - it will be a very long post.

I've memorized 1 and 4... lol... I will check out 15 and 18! Thank you!!

 

[Crimson]

I've memorized 1 and 4... lol... I will check out 15 and 18! Thank you!!

Oops sorry it is
1. 5, 14, and 18.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Oops sorry it is
1. 5, 14, and 18.

Appreciate it!!

 

[Bookwyrm]

Haha, not "extinct". Don't be taken in by the "last piece" tactic!
There are still others on the market. Yokdee has quite a number of pieces. This one is cute.

15.9mm Icy A-Grade Natural Royal Blue Jadeite Jade Calabash Ring (Collector's Item) No.161292

Blue has always been my favourite for gemstones irregardless of which. I get mesmerised by this calm colour tone, always picture blue to be the colour of royalty, grace, beauty and above all, the colour of the sky and seas~ This indeed is a very rare jadeite piece, royal blue calabash mount in...

www.yokdee.com

Nanyang Jade has some pieces too. The thing with blue is that we must be very careful they don't wander into "oily" or "petroleum" territory.

The good thing is blues are usually priced lower than greens. Guatemalan Olmec blue is quite attractive.
I've seen some blue jadeites from Burma that look ethereal, but are priced accordingly.


Fissures are actually minuscule breaks but roots are actually where the colour is strongest and seems to emanate. No breaks there. I think yours is just an inclusion, not a break of any sort. It is normal to find these in jadeite, even those of superior colour or texture.



It would be a gigantic piece because there are so many shades! Maybe it would have to be a garment.

Ahhh I almost did get taken in by that tactic! I am glad I didn't end up going through with that impulse purchase! I was also hesitant because I wasn't able to choose a piece and it was a take it or leave it situation with the one piece that the vendor selected for me, and I just found that piece to be a tad too green and not as saturated as the rest.

Thank you for all the blue jadeite recommendations! I love the sky blue ones, although, I have less than zero clue when it comes to judging the quality and colour of blue jadeite

Pssst! When is the big ruby reveal!?

 

[Crimson]

Appreciate it!!

Here are the links for Jadeite Essentials!
Colour
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/evaluating-jadeite-feicui.283529/#post-5342107

Zhong (planting water or type)
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/evaluating-jadeite-feicui.283529/post-5342563

Gong (workmanship)
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/evaluating-jadeite-feicui.283529/post-5343218

Di (Foundation)
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/evaluating-jadeite-feicui.283529/post-5343690

 

[Crimson]

Ahhh I almost did get taken in by that tactic! I am glad I didn't end up going through with that impulse purchase! I was also hesitant because I wasn't able to choose a piece and it was a take it or leave it situation with the one piece that the vendor selected for me, and I just found that piece to be a tad too green and not as saturated as the rest.

Thank you for all the blue jadeite recommendations! I love the sky blue ones, although, I have less than zero clue when it comes to judging the quality and colour of blue jadeite

Pssst! When is the big ruby reveal!?

Oh, thank goodness you didn't. I was wondering whether I was too late!
Blue is not a major colour for jadeite so there is less written on blue. But go with the basics, that is, look at water first. If it is watery and has good texture then just go with whatever shade you like.
Jadestory has done a good and honest job showing the blues in different lighting. You will see that indoors they are darker and some even lean grey.