Evaluating jadeite (feicui)

[Crimson]

So many gorgeous pieces. Love the lavender fish @Crimson.

I have a new lavender, inexpensive bi from Kathyjade. Wearing all the beads like a jadeite hoarder I really love the lavender on.

Loving this thread. I cannot collect the high dollar stuff, but I really enjoy the photos!

Love the layering! The hues accompany one another so well - and they harmonize with your eyes. Just magical ! With that amount of jadeite, and the bi you are highly protected

 

[Crimson]

Let me cheapen this thread with my low end items! They make me sooooo happy though! And the lavender is just as lavender as my AliExpress dress!

My dear @mellowyellowgirl those are not low end. You started collecting earlier so you enjoyed the good prices

 

[Crimson]

Great point about the certs! Here is theirs, and it doesn’t look like it’s NGTC.


RE: negotiating, it’s so tiring and tough to know what is a starting point! Plus it’s not like we can compare items from different vendors as a side-by-side (sadly).

Thanks for your feedback on lighting - well noted. I guess that’s why they kept shining a bright light at my face when I was trying on the earrings

Haha, are you tempted by the bi? I must confess, I was looking up images on how to wear traditional symbols (like Buddhas and bi) in a more modern fashion. I just don’t know how I would style them for my wardrobe yet (although that would be nice problem to have, haha).

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

 

[Pomelo]

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

Ah interesting about NGTC, thanks - tbh I think it feels safer to buy higher quality jadeite from HK.

Haha, well spotted on my malachite top! I’ve been eyeing up tops with neutral agate print too

Regarding thickness: is there a “standard” that should be met (like 60%ish for diamonds)? Or does it depend on the design? I’ve noticed that Buddhas and Guanyin tend to be thinner than ruyi, bi and cabochons.

 

[MMtwo]

I went jade window-shopping/trying in one of the high end jadeite stores in Beijing.

Jadeite has never appealed a huuuge amount to me, but then I realised it was because I was shopping in the wrong place.

There is jadeite (and nephrite) in many many stores and shopping malls, but very few have the “good stuff”, and it’s hard to part with $$$ without knowing for sure what you’re buying.

Prices marked on here is in RMB, but note that the figures are in “w” or “wan” meaning 10,000 rather than “k” for 1,000 (Chinese numbers go up in 10,000 units which is so confusing!). So 10w is 100,000 RMB, which is USD 13,750.

The most expensive ring was 300w RMB or just over USD 400k. The cheapest was a pair of small earrings at 9w or USD 12k. Yikes! The prices make me twitch but the items were really beautiful!

I’m so glad I tried on a range of colours (and price points!) - it’s made me much more aware of (1) what is “fine” jadeite, (2) what I like/dislike, (3) what I’m willing to trade off.

@Crimson the salesperson was very keen to take me outside to view the rings in daylight. It was around 5pm “golden hour” and they looked fabulous! Just wondering what your typical process is for viewing / assessing jade pieces (eg do you view them multiple times in different times of day / weather conditions?) - and how do you make a decision on whether to purchase?

Rings:




Earrings:

Just wow, this trip was so much fun to see. All of the stones are so lovely. I am rather partial to the 200w that you show, including the "simple" setting. Also love the simple 90w earring studs. It is hard to comprehend the prices though.
They all look beautiful on you!

You are right. It’s not NGTC. I suggested NGTC because it is government-run (a way for the govt to exercise some control and provide some credibility to the industry).
BTW I love your malachite print top!! It is so fabulous and apt for a jewel collector.
I don’t usually wear bi or traditional symbols although I have collected a lavender Ruyi and a large white nephrite bi from the Ural Mountains. I like the material of the highly icy bi I showed above but am not tempted.
I do love Ruyi especially those that look like hearts, but I have not found any that meet all my criteria. They are either too thin, not the right color or lack good proportions. I considered the rain below, but it’s a bit thin (2.5mm).

.

I love that color green.

 

[MMtwo]

Love the layering! The hues accompany one another so well - and they harmonize with your eyes. Just magical ! With that amount of jadeite, and the bi you are highly protected

Thanks! I usually don't layer that much, but have been wearing the lavender beads and new lavender bi together. I did just have a concern though. As you referred to the bi as traditional symbol, do you think this could be found offensive if I wear it? I try to avoid items that could be seen as religious or sacred out of respect.