shape
carat
color
clarity

Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

@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!
 
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? :mrgreen2:
So no pics yet but I can tell you it is Burmese, unheated, vivid red.:kiss2:

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 :lol-2: 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! :kiss2: I would love to see a family picture of all your ruby pieces some day if you have the time!
 
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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.

1747410508968.png
 
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 :lol-2: 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.

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.

1747410508968.png
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. :tongue:

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

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

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
 
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!!
 
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! :lol:
 
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
Indigo
Pale baby blue
 
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
Indigo
Pale baby blue

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! :shifty:
 
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! :shifty:

You mean… reference stones? A tall order, Hehe :oops2::mrgreen2: 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.
 
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You mean… reference stones? A tall order, Hehe :oops2::mrgreen2: 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!!
 
Oops sorry it is
1. 5, 14, and 18.

Appreciate it!!
wobble2.gif
 
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.

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. :tongue:



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

Ahhh I almost did get taken in by that tactic! :oops: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!? :kiss2: :appl:
 
Ahhh I almost did get taken in by that tactic! :oops: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!? :kiss2: :appl:

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

IMG_0005.jpegIMG_0003.jpegIMG_0002.jpeg

I love how you have the most glamourous, eye-catching (and HUGE!) pieces yet you do not hesitate to wear them out and about. I wish I could pull off pieces like that on a daily basis!

I don’t know if you’d like this setting, but I fell in love with it the second I saw it on Cheyenne Weil’s Instagram, and it made me think of you and your pearls! I absolutely adore her work!

 
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!

I will try to look into some of the auctions and jadeite shops in HK when I visit at the end of the year, thank you! :kiss2:
 
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

I don't know how to judge blue jadeite at all, but I just wanted to say I love the design of those earrings! :kiss2: They are stunning!
 
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

OOh! I think the ring might be a little too light but I love the earrings.
I think they might be very thin though but that means they would move easily!
 
@Bookwyrm here is one more Hong Kong jadeite shop worth checking out. I lost them for a while because they changed their website address.
Imperial Jadeite Hong Kong - they have an audacious name, but their collection is sumptuous,
 
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