Buyer's Guide
Jade is an umbrella term for two gem materials: jadeite and nephrite. Both can be shaped into exquisite carvings or decorative objects.
FIND A JEWELER
Submit your gemstone through your local jeweler.
FIND A REPORT
Verify the information on your report matches what is archived in the GIA report database.
What To Look For
Although jadeite comes in lavender, orange, and other hues, its most desirable color is a very specific shade of green.
Jade Texture
Jadeite’s texture can be fine, medium, or coarse, depending on variations in crystal size and hardness.
The best jadeite is semitransparent, meaning the text you can read through it would be slightly blurred.
Jade Carat Weight
The value of jade cabochons, beads, and bangle bracelets rises with an increase in size, all other quality factors being equal.
The finest-quality jadeite is usually cut into cabochons for use in rings and other jewelry. Jade can also be carved into incredibly detailed decorative items.
Jadeite Jade Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Questions & Answers
Is jadeite from Myanmar (Burma) banned from the United States?
Jadeite from Myanmar (formerly Burma) is no longer banned in the United States as of 2016. From 2008 to 2016, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act prohibited U.S. imports of jadeite and ruby from Myanmar. The ban did not apply to gems imported for personal use or prevent U.S. sales of Burmese gems already in the U.S.
Does jade come in pink and blue?
Jadeite is available in a wide range of colors. In rare cases some could be considered pink; however, this material is referred to in the trade as lavender. Rare examples of Guatemalan jadeite in a blue color do exist. Terms like pink jade, Mexican jade, Alaska jade, Transvaal jade or Japanese jade generally refer to other minerals, which may be green or other colors.
What is “B” jade?
In a classification system that is used in China, “B” jade refers to jadeite that has been bleached with acid and then impregnated with polymer resin. “A” jade refers to jadeite that is natural or polished with wax only, and “C” jade refers to dyed material.
Why are jade bangles so small?
Because traditionally jade bangles are worn all the time, they are generally made to fit more tightly than gold bangles so they won’t clank against tables but will stay close to your wrist. To more easily fit a small bangle over your hand, put a plastic bag over your hand and slide the bangle over it. Use the same technique to remove the bangle.
Find out more
Jade: Questions & AnswersCaring for Your Jade
Keep your jadeite and nephrite beautiful by following simple care and cleaning guidelines.
Durability
Though they can both be scratched, nephrite and jadeite have exceptional toughness and are very resistant to breaking or chipping.
Care and Cleaning
Clean your jade jewelry in warm soapy water or wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Treatment
Jade can be dyed, bleached, heated, waxed and impregnated.
