The Jade Collector: Color and Translucency

Color : For jadeite, the intensity of the green color, combined with a high degree of translucency are the key factors in judging value. Stones which are too dark in color or not so translucent are less highly valued. 

Ideally, color should be completely even to the unaided eye, without spotting or veins. In lower qualities, fine root- or vein-like structures that contrast with the body color of the stone may be considered attractive. However, dull veins or roots are less desirable. Any form of mottling, dark irregular specks, or blotches that detract from the overall appearance of the stone will reduce the value.

Translucency:  This is another important factor in evaluating quality. The best jadeite is semi-transparent; opaque jadeite or material with cloudy patches typically has the least value. It is interesting to note that even if the overall color is uneven or low in saturation, jadeite can still be quite valuable if it has good transparency.

Among the various gems, no single stone has a closer relationship with a culture than jade with the Chinese. It is considered the “Stone of Heaven” and is thought to provide a bridge between this world and the next. Jade also played an important part in Mayan and Maori cultures. In each of the above cultures, jade was considered “beyond price.” (R W Hughes)

More ... https://www.collectorfinejewelry.com/buyers_guide_jade.htm


Prices:  Next to certain rare colors of diamond (such as blue, pink and red), jadeite is the world‘s most expensive gem, with prices above even ruby and sapphire. The record price for a single piece of jadeite jewelry was set at the November 1997 Christie’s Hong Kong sale: Lot 1843, the “Doubly Fortunate” necklace of 27 approximately 15 mm jadeite beads, sold for US$9.3 million (see figure 25). Indeed, out of the top ten most expensive jewels sold worldwide by Christie’s in 1999, five out of ten were jadeite, including three of the top four. These auctions clearly show that jadeite is among the most valuable of all gemstones. The most valuable jadeites are those of high translucency and rich Cr-green color.  Nephrite has little value as a gem in and of itself, but carvings can be quite valuable.

Jade of the Olmec, Aztec and Maya

Jadeite is closely associated with two ancient civilizations, those of Mesoamerica and China. Jadeite was used by most of the major civilizations in ancient Mesoamerica: the Olmec, Aztec, Maya, and so forth. 

It was highly prized throughout the region: "Gold did not have the same intrinsic value for Mesoamerican peoples... that is has for us...Jade was of greater value" (Noguera 1971: 268). 

Among the early Spanish writers of the sixteenth century, Sahagun (1963: 222) comments that "emerald green Jade... its appearance is like a green quetzal feather. And its body is as transparent and as dense as obsidian. It is precious, esteemed, valuable..." 

In his account of Aztec civilization, Vaillant (1965: 139-140) remarks:"The most precious substance among the Aztecs was jade, or stones resembling it in texture and colour... " 

The Aztecs did not have our modern esteem for gold, so the Spaniards had great difficulty in getting it at first. The Mexican Indians responded to the invaders' demands for objects of value by offering jade and turquoise, those substances most precious to themselves... Such misguided compliance was highly irritating to Cortés and his men. 

Gold is valuable, Jade is Priceless !

Chinese buyers have been conspicuously buying some of the world’s costliest diamonds at auctions and luxury jewelry houses, but jadeite remains the traditional favorite. “Gold is valuable; jade is priceless,” according to a centuries-old saying....

With China’s rising wealth comes rising demand—and prices—for jadeite of all qualities and colors. Beyond its beauty, the gem traditionally represents prosperity and longevity. And the jadeite bangle is believed to protect the wearer from harm, particularly from a fall.

Demand has skyrocketed, but conditions at the source—Myanmar—have deteriorated sharply in the past four years, cutting supply to a fraction of what it once was.

The Difference Between Jade and Jadeite 

In Chinese words, “the finest of stone is Jade”. 

The qualities of jade stone are hard and fine, and with uniform hue and color, and beautiful crystal-like shine. 
Jadeite is one of the jade stone’s forms. And so a jade stone is not necessary Jadeite. 

In Chinese, Jadeite is called “Fei Cui”. And this name is come from a bird’s name. This bird has very colorful and beautiful feathers. The male bird has red feathers, and it called as “Fei” bird. The female bird has green feathers, and it called as “Cui”. In combination, they are called “Fei Cui”. 

There is a wide range of variations in color of Jadeite. The color is mostly found in white, green, red, purple, blue, yellow, black and pink.   More .... http://www.hkja.com.hk/en/about_jade.php

How to evaluate jadeite values

There has many factors can affect jadeite values. Usually a jadeite value is determined by its structure, color, weight, integrity and quality of carving. Furthermore, the supply of raw materials and the brand effect can also affect the value of jadeite. 

The quality of jadeite can be evaluate in these 4 conditions:
1.	Color - Color is the most important factor in evaluating jadeite values. The color of jadeite should be rich, completely even, and color pure.
2.	Translucency – The best jadeite must have good translucency, a fine texture and high brightness, even in pale green to dark green.
3.	Shape – the shape of jadeite, size, thickness, and the sanding works should be well mixed .
4.	Clarity – the quality of jadeite is determined from its clarity. A fine jadeite should be free from noticeable or distracting defects, include cloudy patches, black spots, crackles or scratches

For those collecting Jade and Jadeite

Jadeite and Jade are on the rise. Start your collection while you can ....