How do I pick real jade and how do I authenticate my jade jewellery?

For buyers with limited experience, selecting genuine jade can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help identify real jade. Experienced buyers typically inspect the authenticity of jade using simple tests. We usually conduct visual inspection under good lighting to examine the colour and texture of the jade to observe any unnatural colouration or texture.

We also assess the jade through touch and weight. Synthetic materials are often lighter in weight and have a plastic-like texture. Genuine jade, on the other hand, tends to be heavier and possesses a cool, smooth feel. To check whether the jade piece is injected with resin, we sometimes perform a sound test by gently tapping the jade with a metal object. Natural jade produces a clear and crisp sound, similar to the ring of glass or metal. In contrast, treated or synthetic jade may produce a duller sound.

It is important to note that these tests rely heavily on experience and are not foolproof, even for experts. Therefore, it is always essential to request certificates of authenticity from reputable gemological laboratories.

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What colour jade is most valuable and why?

In jadeite, the most valuable colour is an intense, vivid green, often referred to as imperial green. This colour is considered the most classic and traditional in jadeite. Pieces of jadeite that exhibit imperial green and possess a good translucent texture hold significant investment value. The market price for such jadeite has been steadily increasing due to the rarity of high-quality jadeite and the growing demand for it.

In addition to vivid green, lavender has emerged as one of the most popular colours for jadeite in recent years. The price of high-quality jadeite with a vivid lavender colour has experienced a remarkable surge over the past decade. This increase in price can be attributed to the rarity of such pieces and the rising market demand for them.

How much should real jade cost? What does low quality jade look like?

When evaluating the value and quality of a jade piece, colour intensity is indeed an important factor, but there are also other considerations such as texture, translucency, size, and craftsmanship. Traditionally, colour has been the primary determinant of jadeite prices over the past thirty years. However, in recent years, younger buyers have placed a higher value on good texture and translucency. As a result, the prices of jadeite with these qualities have significantly increased.

Additionally, the cost of raw stones plays a significant role in determining the price of finished jadeite products. Items made from raw stones that were acquired with higher auction prices will naturally have higher selling prices to cover the initial cost. Consequently, pieces made from older rough stones tend to have lower prices since newly auctioned stones are now much more expensive than before.

It's important to note that in the world of jadeite, higher quality doesn’t always equate to the most suitable piece for one. There are countless variations in colour, form, and shape of jade, so the value often can’t simply be measured by only one aspect. Some pieces may not possess an exceptionally vibrant or traditionally valuable colour, but they may hold significant collector value due to exceptional craftsmanship or other unique factors. Ultimately, personal preference and the emotional connection one feels with a jewellery piece are the more important factors in selecting jadeite. And this is the most fun and enjoyable part of collecting jade. 

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