The second most expensive form of jade is that which exhibits a lavender hue. This color will be more expensive than other types of non-Imperial green jade, such as those with a more blue or yellow tint. In general the more untainted and uninterrupted by impurities your jade is, the more valuable it will be. Though jades that bear streaks and veins of contrasting colors may appear attractive and thus bring in some buyer interest in that regard, they will never stand up to the prices that a more uniform jadeite will attract.

Because of this highly decisive factor in the valuing of this type of stone, some will treat or bleach jade in order to obscure and remove the evidence of discoloration before instilling it with colored polymers; these artificially altered jadeites are not nearly as valuable as their untreated counterparts.

Jade varies in its transparency, coming in forms that range from entirely opaque to almost entirely transparent. Because those that are opaque do not hold any light and thus appear to be dull, the most expensive forms of jade will be semi-transparent.

In fact these types of jade can value at high prices even despite unevenness in tone and color. The finest colors appear intense from a distance sometimes described as 'penetrating'. Side-by-side comparisons are essential to judge saturation accurately.

Generally, the more saturated the hue is, the more valuable the stone will be. A related factor is referred to as cui by the Chinese. Colors with fine cui are variously described as brilliant, sharp, bright, or hot. This is the quality that makes "shocking" pink shocking and "electric" blue electric. Tone xian : The ideal tone is medium — not too light or too dark. Distribution jun : 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. In contrast to jadeite, it is the absence of color that is a key factor in determining the value of the nephrite from western China, with "snow white" stones fetching huge prices today.

Figure 5. Fei-ts'ui Imperial jadeite ring and cabochons. Courtesy Pala International; photo: Wimon Manorotkul. In terms of clarity, fine jadeite should be free from noticeable or distracting inclusion defects. This refers to imperfections that impair the passage of light. The finest jadeite has no inclusions or other clarity defects that are visible to the naked eye. Typical imperfections are mineral inclusions, which usually are black, dark green, or brown, but may be other colors.

Black spots easily visible to the eye are a particular problem because the Chinese associate them with bad luck. White spots pollen also are common, as are other intergrown minerals. The most severe clarity defects in jadeite are unhealed fractures, which can have an enormous impact on value because jadeite symbolizes durability and perfection.

That said, virtually all jadeite has feathers that are visible under magnification. More so than for most gem materials, fashioning plays a critical role in jadeite beauty and value.

Typically, the finest qualities are cut for use in jewelry — as cabochons, bracelets, or beads. Cutters often specialize: one may do rings, another carvings, and so on. Polish is particularly important with jadeite. Fine polish results in fine luster, so that light can pass cleanly in and out of a translucent or semi-transparent piece.

One method of judging the quality of polish is to examine the reflection of a beam of light on the surface of a piece of jadeite. A stone with fine polish will produce a sharp, undistorted reflection, with no "orange-peel" or dimpling visible. The finer qualities are usually cut as cabochons. One of the premium sizes — the standard used by many dealers' price guides — is 14 x 10 mm Samuel Kung, pers. Material used for cabochons is generally of higher quality than that used for carvings Ou Yang, , although there are exceptions.

With cabochons, the key factors in evaluating cut are the contour of the dome, the symmetry and proportions of the cabochon, and its thickness. Cabochon domes should be smoothly curved, not too high or too flat, and should have no irregular flat spots. Proportions should be well balanced, not too narrow or wide, with a pleasing length-to-width ratio Ng and Root, The best-cut cabochons have no flaws or unevenness of color that is visible to the unaided eye.

Since the s, double cabochons, shaped like the Chinese ginko nut, have been considered the ideal for top-grade jadeite, since the convex bottom is said to increase light return to the eye, thus intensifying color Christie's, Stones with poor transparency, however, are best cut with flat bases, since any material below the girdle just adds to the bulk without increasing beauty. Hollow cabochons are considered least valuable Ou Yang, Traditionally, when fine jadeite cabochons are mounted in jewelry, they are backed by metal with a small hole in the center.

The metal acts as a foilback of sorts, increasing light return from the stone. Also, with the hole one can shine a penlight through the stone to examine the interior, or probe the back with a toothpick to determine the contours of the cabochon base Ng and Root, When this hole is not present, one needs to take extra care, as the metal may be hiding some defect or deception. Strands of uniform jadeite beads are in greater demand than those with graduated beads.

The precision with which the beads are matched for color and texture is particularly important, with greater uniformity resulting in greater value.

Other factors include the roundness of the beads and the symmetry of the drill holes. Because of the difficulties involved in matching color, longer strands and larger beads will carry significantly higher values.

Beads should be closely examined for cracks. Those cracked beads of 15 mm diameter or greater may be recut into cabochons, which usually carry a higher value than a flawed bead Ng and Root, Bangles are one of the most popular forms of jadeite jewelry, symbolizing unity and eternity.

Even today, it is widely believed in the Orient that a bangle will protect its wearer from disaster by absorbing negative influences. For example, if the wearer is caught in an accident, the bangle will break so that its owner will remain unharmed. Another common belief is that a spot of fine color in a bangle may spread across the entire stone, depending on the fuqi — good fortune — of the owner Christie's, a.

In the past, bangles and rings were often made in pairs, in the belief that good things always come in twos Christie's, Figure 6. Circle of Happiness Believed to date back at least four millennia in China, the jade bangle is both one of the oldest and one of the most important pieces of jewelry in the Chinese culture. Because a single-piece bangle requires a large quantity of jadeite relative to its yield, prices can be quite high, particularly for fine-quality material.

Multi-piece bangles are worth less than those fashioned from a single piece, because the former often represent a method of recovering parts of a broken bangle. Mottled material is generally used for carved bangles, as the carving will hide or disguise the imperfections.

When a piece is carved from high-quality material, however, it can be a true collector's item Ng and Root, The Chinese symbol of eternity, this is a flat disk with a hole in its center, usually mounted as a pendant or brooch.

Ideally, the hole should be one-fifth the diameter of the entire disk and exactly centered. Small pairs are often used in earrings or cufflinks Figure Figure 7. These fine matched huaigu each approximately 19 x 4. Each is linked to a saddle top of comparable material. Fu Lou Shou jade color is a pattern cherished by Chinese for centuries.

Color is the most important quality and value indicator of jade. Although the word jade is almost synonymous with the word green, in actuality jade occurs in a range of rainbow colors as well as black and white. Needless to say, the most valuable and coveted jade is a specific shade of green, also called imperial jade. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Psychology Is Jade more expensive than diamonds?

Ben Davis April 17, Is Jade more expensive than diamonds? How much is jade worth per carat? Is Jade harder than diamond? Will Jade break if dropped? Economically, an increase in middle and upper-class Chinese households has increased the value and price of high-quality jadeite as it is one of the most important stones culturally and spiritually in this particular area. Since the original discovery of Burmese Jade , the Chinese have revered the green color, the translucent, sleek design of high-quality jadeite.

Today the color, transparency, and texture still play a big role in determining the value and which jade jewelry is most expensive. The most expensive type of Jade is type A. Beyond the type, you also have to consider whether it's jadeite or nephrite, and where it was found.

Imperial Jade from Burma is the most expensive type of Jade. It is the most expensive because it is the highest quality, the most sought-after color, and remains today the most highly prized source of jadeite around the world. As mentioned there are three types of Jade and these three classifications are based upon the manufacturing process. When you are looking into jewelry it's important that the jade jewelry you consider is marketed with the type, type A, type B, or type C so that you know how it was manufactured.

There's nothing inherently wrong with lower quality, type C product, or type B product but it's important to know if you have one of those so that you can avoid excessive exposure to heat or sun, and store the jade jewelry properly.

Jadeite from Burma is the most expensive Jade you can find. This level of quality jadeite is almost transparent but with a vibrant, emerald green color. It is this gemstone that is colloquially referred to as Imperial Jade. Historically the Royal Court of China had a standing order for any and all of this material available and today it continues to be one of the most expensive gems in the world. Jade can cost more than diamonds in certain areas when it is of higher quality like the Burmese Jade.

Burmese Jade remains one of the highest quality variations of this gemstone known for its firmer, denser, and more lustrous shine. The Burmese Jade was the most important and sought-after historically in China and today it continues to be one of the most sought-after varieties. In places where Jade is of particular importance, this quality gemstones can cost more than diamonds. Jade is a very colorful and durable material that can be easily worked into multiple shapes and Polished to a much higher luster than other gemstones which is why jade jewelry is so popular including its use in Jade pendants, Jade necklaces , Jade bracelets , Jade rings, and Jade earrings.

These jade jewelry items are usually made with a solid gemstone mixed with other precious metals, diamonds, silver, and gold. Jade is also used to make small sculptures, religious artwork, and ornaments in addition to regular jade jewelry that you see in the store. In places like Europe and the United States emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and rubies are just a few gemstones that remain more popular than Jade. But in other areas of the world like China, Jade is one of the most precious gemstones.

For thousands of years, Jade has been the most popular gemstone in China. Chinese Emperors waged war and traded with distant people in order to acquire the best specimens. They remain a very important material for religious art and our Incorporated in gifts given during birthdays, marriages, and anniversaries.

Historically carved Jade pendants were worn the same as we wear jade jewelry today only they were intended to be protective talismans. Masks crafted from Jade and incense burners carved from Jade have been found in association with religious ceremonies ranging from ancient China to Mesoamerica.

Throughout history, people have credited Jade with healing things from nightmares to kidney stones. Jade brings with it the energy of prosperity, new beginnings, and health. The Jade stone is often seen as a representation of Purity or purification. It's also a stone that offers protection and supports Vitality, abundance, and heart energy. Another meaning for Jade is that of gentleness, Harmony, and balance.

Today, Jade jewelry brings with it a mix of modern designs with antique jewelry designs. Traditional Jade Bangles remain a staple of jade jewelry making and often incorporate other beads or materials like gold. Chinese jade jewelry represents a rich cultural heritage and it typically includes nephrite and jadeite.