AJS Gems, Jadeite, & GIT cert

[sphenequeen]

Hello All!

I have been eyeing a piece of jadeite from AJS for some time now and have yet to pull the trigger - I am not familiar with the company AJS or with GIT certs. I am hoping that those who have dealt with either of these can chime in.

What I want is a piece with NO TREATMENT. I have been emailing back and forth, and have been assured that the stone in question is treatment free. Knowing that jadeite is notorious for treatment, how should I go about insuring that the stone I want to purchase is in fact treatment free? Should I have a second lab test the stone and, if so, what lab would you recommend to send jadeite to?

 

[Art Nouveau]

Send it to a lab that has the capability of using RAMAN spectroscopy to test jade. The equipment is very expensive. The last time I checked, a couple of years ago, only GIA and Mason Kay have this instrument. May be AGL too, but I am not sure. You can send the stone to GIA yourself. For Mason Kay, you have to go through a jeweler. Make sure the jade is returnable if the test does not say "natural jadeite" and "no treatment".

 

[chrono]

AJS and GIT are bot reputable but I am unsure when it comes to jadeite. You are correct that jadeite is often treated in various ways that are often undisclosed. That being the case, I would make the purchase contingent upon the stone coming back from the lab as untreated. My choice of lab is AGL due to their expertise and equipment they have on hand.

 

[sphenequeen]

I sent Ron at AJS another email - I will let you know what he says.

 

[pregcurious]

Hi Sphenequeen,
Did you end buying a jadeite? Could you post some pics and write about your experience?
Thanks,
Preg

 

[LD]

I've bought from them loads of times. Ron and Rung are lovely to deal with and are honest. If they say it's untreated it will be.

I've got quite a few reports from GIT and find them to be reliable.

The only thing about AJS is that their photos are slightly more glamorised than what you'll receive. Typically if you see a vivid stone, take the colour down a notch or two in your mind and that's what you'll receive. They don't provide handshots or more photos (or at least haven't in the past) as they deal with fairly high volume BUT their returns policy is good.

 

[sphenequeen]

Pregcurious,

YES, I bit the bullet and bought the Jadeite. Ron was lovely to work with and I love the stone. The stone is 1.87 carats and measures 9.27 x 7.40 mm. The stone is bright emerald green and has great translucency. This was one of my "Holy Grail" stones and I am glad I can mark it off the list! The lighting in the picture washes out quite a bit of the depth of color this stone has, but it is all I have on hand and the ring is in my safety deposit box.

I set the stone in a custom Harry Winston style pave setting, platinum. I am a finger size 6.

I would wholeheartedly recommend AJS to anyone wanting colored stones.

 

[chrono]

It looks gorgeous! I'd love to see more pictures of it when you get the chance to wear it again.

 

[MrsM]

I love that ring sphenequeen! May I ask where you got your setting...so perfectly delicate.

 

[pregcurious]

Looks beautiful!