Jadeite Lovers

[Jadeite_101]

Type A Jadeite, Type B Jadeite, Type C Jadeite, Enhancement, Treatment, Bleaching, Polymers, Wax, Dyes these are all common topics we come across when we start to collect Jadeite. They are contentious topics and indeed only a reputable Lab with it’s use of sophisticated techninques such as DiamondView imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and Raman spectrophotometry can ultimately determine whether something is indeed Type A material.

However there are those instances in the market where one is forced to rely on his or her honed skills in order to determine the likeliness whether a Jadeite is indeed treated or enhanced. This observations are backed by GIA and Journal of Gemology studies.

Unfortunately not all countries have been graced by reputable Labs such as the GIA as such in my country. Therefor one is left to do the following: buy something which has already been tested abroad or to gamble and trust one’s skill then send it abroad for testing. As a disclaimer I never substitute my obeservations for that of a Lab Report. But Lab Reports, unscrupulous ones where Labs can’t be traced need to be challenged by what one knows to observe.

Let’s do a side by side comparison of what to look for in Type A Jadeite and Type B, C, B + C, Coated Jadeite. Unfortunately I do not have photos to share I do not have sophisticated cameras to capture my observations. And the photos in the internet are copyrighted. One can however google what is stated below. And I will provide links to the GIA and Journal of Gemology.

Type A Jadeite:
1. Long Wave UV Light Test- inert or does not Fluoresce.
2. Cold to the touch.
3. Vitreous surface luster.
4. Under the Loupe- Orange Peel appearance or dimpling.
5. Under the Loupe- Crystal graining can be seen. Or appearance of broken ice.
6. Inclusions- Black oxide minerals, chromite, magnetite, iron spinel and pyrite. Common in Bright green, lavender and grey Jadeite.
7. Weathering Shells- intense color gradations and clear boundaries between oxide zone and interior Jadeite.
8. Inclusions- Ice Dizi, Granular Ice.
9. Fissures- White or whiter than body color.
10. Fissures- Color Block, disappearance of color at the fissure.

Type B, C, B + C, Coated Jadeite
1. Long Wave UV Test- Fluorescent
2. Warm to the touch as polymers are poor thermal conductors.
3. Looks like plastic.
4. Colors appear to float or appear out of nowhere.
5. Color fades with time.
6. Duller because polymer is less reflective.
7. Under the Loupe- Cobweb or Spiderweb surface appearance- produced by Bleaching.
8. Under the Loupe- Surface scratching
9. Under the Loupe- Surface corrosion of polymer.
10. Under the Loupe- Bubbles or lint trapped in polymer material.
11. Color collects in veins, cracks, fractures, fissures or microscopic gaps between crystal grains.
12. Filling material is visibly in large fractures.
13. Crystal graining is hard to see because of polymer.
14. Presence of “White Cotton” because of polymer.
15. Fissures are less apparent because of polymer.

Still there are skills and observations I am yet to learn such as assessing Internal behavior of light and I am yet to listen to the sound that Jadeite Bangle makes when struck.

Some light reading:

https://www.gia.edu/doc/Identification-of-Bleached-and-Polymer-Impregnated-Jadeite.pdf

Dyed and Natural Green Jadeite | Gems & Gemology

Spectroscopy and microscopic observation reveal that areas of a natural green jadeite carving have been dyed.

www.gia.edu

Strong Fluorescence in B-Jade Impregnated with Wax | Gems & Gemology

A bangle is an example of the misconception that B jade is only impregnated by resin, when in fact wax-impregnated jadeite is also considered B-jade.

www.gia.edu

Characteristics of Coated Jadeite Jade | Gems & Gemology

Analyzes the effects of coating on green jadeite specimens using DiamondView imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and Raman spectrophotometry.

www.gia.edu

http://www.docs.i-version.com/iversion/download.aspx?id=6WHGZ9BR&start=55&end=61

Further Reading with illustrations:

5 Types of Jade Bangle Treatment

Detailed information on treatments applied to Jade Bangle Bracelets. Treated Jade Bangles are common in the market place today and are there to deceive consumers.

www.mays.com.au

How to Identify Treated Jadeite (‘B’ Jade)

» How to Identify Treated Jadeite (‘B’ Jade) | Jadeite jade bangles, jadeite jade pendant, jadeite jade bead bracelets for all jade lovers with life time money back guarantee

www.ultimatejadeite.com

Burmese Jade, Part 2 — Pala international

www.palagems.com

*Fun fact it was Dowager Empress Cixi of China who was said to have trained her fingers to recognize Jadeite.

 

[Jadeite_101]

The Cultural Symbolism of Wearing Jadeite... Jadeite Culture is the love, reverence and metaphysical characteristics attached to Jadeite... Here is a simple illustration of the Symbolism behind wearing Jadeite...


Wearing three Icy Jadeites symbolizes a “Life full of good health and wisdom.” This is because Three in Chinese numerology stands for “Life”. While Icy Jadeite represents Good health and wisdom.


Wearing a pair of Lavender Jadeites symbolizes “Double Happiness.” This is because there is a saying Chinese numerology “Good things comes in pairs. While Lavender Jadeite represents Happiness or the character 囍.


Wearing five Green Jadeites symbolizes “Me prosper” or “I’ll prosper”. This is because in Chinese numerology five represents “me or I”. While Green Jadeite represents Success and Prosperity.


Wearing a set of three Lavender, Green and Icy Jadeite symbolizes “Fu Lu Shou”. The Three Star Gods in Chinese Religion. Wearing this combination of three colors is said to represent Prosperity, High Status and Longevity.

Taboos in Jadeite Culture...

Wearing sets of four represents “Death” in Chinese Numerology.

Wearing Jadeite with black inclusions is said to bring hard times ahead or a hard life ahead. Therefor is disfavored in the East.

This is just a fun example of the intricacies behind symbolism in Chinese Culture and Jadeite Culture. This isn’t meant to offend or deride other’s beliefs.

 

[Jadeite_101]

The Great Historical Jadeite Collectors... I love how unabashed they were with their Jadeite collections... Now a days with bangles costing as much as $12million USD and necklaces as much as $27million USD contemporary Jadeite collectors fall into anonymity...

Dowager Empress Cixi and Qing luyu bamboo bangles. (Chinese)


Empress Wanrong, Last Empress of China and the Qing Dynasty (Chinese) and her Jadeite suite



Oei Tiong Ham and Imperial Jadeite necklace. (Chinese Indonesian)


Madame Wellington Koo (Chinese Indonesian)


Soong Sisters and their magnificent Jadeite jewelry (Chinese)


Madame Chiang Kai Shek (Chinese)


Barbara Hutton and her Cartier Jadeite jewels (American)

 

[Jadeite_101]

Honorables:

From the collection of Doris Duke... (American)



From the collection of Elizabeth Taylor... (American)

 

[Jadeite_101]

Just went through the Just went through the PS Thread “Specific Gravity of Grade B Jadeite” as advised by qubitasaurus and my oh my their collections put mine to shame haha. It was a lovely read all the teachings they imbued on selecting quality Jadeite. You just never know when you’re gonna learn a thing or two. And the pictures of their collections as well as those for sale by other sellers are spectacular.

What keeps me excited for now til the pandemic ends. Is this video my friend sent of a Type A Jadeite of the most delicious apple green color. Available as a set of three bracelets or a singular strand necklace. Certified Type A material. 11mm in diameter which is considered small but what it lacks in size is made up for by color. Can’t wait to see it in person as Jadeite rarely if ever registers well on camera.

Sorry for the bad photos. It was a video that was sent. Screen capped.

 

[Niffler75]

@Jadeite_101 Thank you so much for taking the time to post. I know very little about jadeite and this is really interesting!

 

[Jadeite_101]

@Jadeite_101 Thank you so much for taking the time to post. I know very little about jadeite and this is really interesting!

Thank you I love Jadeite it’s a real passion of mine. My collection may not be the best there is out there but what I have, what I learn about it makes me happy. and it makes me additionally happy to talk to people who show similar love and interest.

 

[Jadeite_101]

Highly informative guide into the world of high end and high quality Jadeite as explained by Specialists...

Collecting guide: Jadeite jewellery | Christie's

Senior specialist Fung Chiang offers an expert introduction, illustrated with pieces previously offered at Christie's

www.christies.com

A video guide by Christie’s Senior Jadeite Specialist Fung Chiang on selecting high quality Jadeite and Jadeite bead jewelry.

A collaboration between the GIA and The Zhaoyi Cuiwu Brand to explain high end Jadeite, market tastes and some meanings behind the symbols depicted in Jadeite.

A look into the “ Circle of Heaven” Bangle estimated at $10million to $12millionUSD by Sotheby’s Expert Quek Chin Yeow.

 

[minousbijoux]

Yes, there are some real jade experts here on PS - some who've learned as they went along! “Specific Gravity of Grade B Jadeite” is a good thread, as is the thread started by @Burmesedaze on all her Burmese finds - amazing to watch her grow from a beginner to an expert in the years she has been living there.

 

[Jadeite_101]

Some excerpts of the GIA’s interview with Kaka Zhang a Shanghai based Jadeite Jewelry Designer who captured the online and “young market”...

Understanding the Jadeite Market... Young vs Old Generation... Online Selling... Western Market vs Eastern Market...

The Bangle

What do Jadeite carvers do with the “bangle core” removed during the process of making a bangle?

Taste in color vs texture...

Redesigning ornate pieces to fit the modern look...

GIA interview with Jeff Mason on the Western Market and Eastern Market Tastes...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2XMHDclx7WM

I think it is fascinating to look at the Jadeite market out there to understand the differences not only in the Cultural gap between East and West but the gap between generations as well... I think Jadeite has a lot of complexities reflected in these differences. It’s fascinating to note also that the GIA by the name itself a Western body has taken an active stance in understanding not only the scientific and gemological aspects of Jadeite with all their studies published. But also the Cultural aspects of Jadeite with all the interviews they’ve documented.

 

[Jadeite_101]

I think people have been accustomed to the thinking that it is primarily an Asian stone. The great jewelry houses like Cartier who introduced it to the Western Market during the 1920s to 1930s Art Deco period sure did reinforce it as an Asian stone due to the Oriental Craze. Even contemporary Asian designers such as Wallace Chan, Carnet or Zhaoyi, who can really push boundaries if they wanted to still treat it primarily as an Asian stone. I think the only really prominent designer I’ve seen not doing primarily Asian designs with Jadeite is Hemmerle. They do lovely contemporary work on Jadeite that really comes across cultures. May it be their earrings or beaded necklaces mixed with other gemstones and precious to non precious metals. I wish more designers could to more cross cultural work. Maybe that way it can appeal to a broader demographic.

In the Philippines with it’s heavy Western influence people still do wear Jadeite but only as trinkets or lucky objects. There are exceptions of course but still majority never treat it anything other than second class gemstone.

Yes I myself don’t wear carved Jadeite pieces. I only collect them. It isn’t because I feel it’s inappropriate to do so. More so I like understated pieces that look sleek. So cabochons, beads, and bangles are more my thing. But I do think the carvings add another aspect of interest to Jadeite. The symbolism behind each carving and what they mean as a whole.

That is true even in the Jadeite Market sellers tend to delegate or associate The different Jadeite colors with a niche market. As an example industry professionals say that Vivid saturated emerald greens or imperial green are preferred by the older generation. Bright apple green, Icy Colorless and Omphacite Jadeite by the younger generation. Lavender jadeite by women. Red and yellow Jadeite by Westerners.

A few posts ago I posed the question on why modern day designers and the great jewelry houses continue to produce Jadeite Jewelry primarily targeted for Asian tastes. Here’s an excerpt from the same GIA interview with Kaka Zhang answering this question. Plus other insights into the Jadeite Market.

 

[Jadeite_101]

What’s in the design? Bangle or Beaded Bracelet? The Jadeite Bangle can trace back it’s origin to over 2,000 years and like the Bi represents Heaven in Chinese Culture. It has survived unadulterated in appearance and to this day is said to provide protection to it’s wearer. Whenever Jadeite manufacturers plan a piece of rough they will initially plan to produce a bangle since bangles sell at high prices. It takes a large amount of rough to produce a bangle. Jadeite color veins do not lend itself well to producing a bangle therefor bangles of good color saturation sell at a premium. Top quality bangles can sell at astronomical prices such as the “Circle of Heaven” est. at $10-$12million USD.


The material removed from its center is called the Bangle Core. This center is not put to waste and is usually carved into a Bi or another style of pendant.


Bangles are usually snug in fit because they are meant to be worn close to the body all the time. In the West hinged bangles are very popular.

Beaded Jadeite bracelets like beaded Jadeite necklaces are amongst the rarest and most difficult to produce in top quality material amongst Jadeite Jewelry. This is because strands need to match in color, texture, transparency, size and “water content”. This is because Jadeite rough will often have variations in quality within a single rough. Hence out of hundreds of beads produced only a dozen will usually end up matching in quality. Manufacturing Jadeite into spheres also reduces the material’s brightness. There for only top quality material can produce bright material. Other factors that matter are symmetry of the beads as well as the drill hole. Beads of uniform size are more valuable that graduated sizes. Jadeite beads are classified into small and large. Small those being 11mm and less. Big those 12mm and above.


Personally I have a preference for beaded bracelets. But there are others out there who prefer bangles. The PS Thread “Specific Gravity of Grade B Jadeite” and “My Burma Myanmar Gemstones”. Are a treasure trove of pictures, collections and FS items. Richly illustrating not only Bangles but Jadeite of all types and designs. My preference for Jadeite beaded bracelets is a matter of taste. I love its versatility, how you take it apart and remake it. Design it as you will. And honestly I am yet to find a bangle that will fit my large hand-thin wrist proportions.

 

[Jadeite_101]

I love how we can find inspiration by reading up on culture and the history of by gone eras. This inspiration came from reading up on the life of the revered Dowager Empress Cixi of China. Her love of Tourmaline and Jadeite are the stuff of history books. She was responsible for elevation of Jadeite into it’s Imperial Status. And was responsible for keeping California Pala Tourmaline mines in business from 1900-1911 by importing huge sums.

Qing Dynasty Japamala or Rosary Beads of Tourmaline and Jadeite...


Loose layout of my Japamala or Rosary Beads in gemmy Tourmaline, Lavander and Apple Green Melon Jadeite, 24k Gold Enhancers and carved Icy colorless Jadeite and Rubellite...



Can’t wait til lockdown is over so as I could have this threaded.

 

[shelovesinclusions]

I love your tourmaline & jade combos.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I went and googled Empress Wanrong after reading your posts.

She was so pretty!!! Actually pretty like they are portrayed in the Chinese series.

 

[Jadeite_101]

I love your tourmaline & jade combos.

It is such an unusual combination, ain’t the first combination that runs through the head. And yet historically they get together with a timeless complementary look.

 

[Jadeite_101]

I went and googled Empress Wanrong after reading your posts.

She was so pretty!!! Actually pretty like they are portrayed in the Chinese series.

Yes she was! And so elegant. She really concealed having a hard life well. She stayed as she was til her sad end.

 

[Jadeite_101]

A few posts ago, I showed you the typical White-Blue Fluorescence of Type B + C Jadeite. Today I want to show you another type of fluorescence typically seen in Treated Lavender Jadeite.

This pair of Icy Lavender Jadeite 14k White Gold Earrings were purchased circa 2014 for a couple hundred USD at a brick and mortar jewelry store back when I new little of Jadeite and its treatments.


I recently unearthed the pair while looking through jewelry and decided to put it under Long Wave UV Light Test. Where it fluoresced a bright pinkish-orange.


Upon further observation under the loupe I found a tell tale sign of treatment primarily Spiderweb or Cobweb surface appearance. However there were no concentration of dyes in grain boundaries.

Lavender Jadeite treatment has long been a source of controversy in the Gemological world. One theory voiced repeatedly in the trade is that the dyes being used to enhance the color are organic in nature, one being blueberry juice. In routine identification of lavender Jadeite treatment some gems fluoresce bright orange when exposed to Long Wave UV Light.

A study on treated Lavender Jadeite:

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0488/d576f60470a50eb6cedb5742c36564c5cd95.pdf

 

[Adam95]

I just wanted to post a source to GIA info on grading of jadeite. https://www.gia.edu/gia-faq-b-jade

To summarize treated jade, B is bleached & polymer impregnated, and B & C is bleached, dyed, and polymer impregnated.

I've seen in a few places lately, people saying certification agencies are saying a jade is B because of wax, but if it's being labeled as B there's either a lab issue or there's evidence of bleaching and synthetic polymer in the jade. Traditional processing with bee's wax, even heavily, as a polish is acceptable for A jade.

Agreed, I've been reading up on the topic, and no lab worth its salt will label jade polished with wax as grade B.

 

[Jadeite_101]

Agreed, I've been reading up on the topic, and no lab worth its salt will label jade polished with wax as grade B.

“However, it is not really practical
to attempt to distinguish between wax applied for polishing and that applied for filling cavities and pores produced by acid treatment. This resulted in wax- treatment for jadeites being listed as an enhancement in the 1996 edition of the Chinese National Standard (AQSIQ, 1996).”

- Gemological Association of Great Britain

I believe a consensus amongst the Gemological Societies and Labs must be reached otherwise wax as a form of treatment is up for debate.

 

[shelovesinclusions]

“However, it is not really practical
to attempt to distinguish between wax applied for polishing and that applied for filling cavities and pores produced by acid treatment. This resulted in wax- treatment for jadeites being listed as an enhancement in the 1996 edition of the Chinese National Standard (AQSIQ, 1996).”

- Gemological Association of Great Britain

I believe a consensus amongst the Gemological Societies and Labs must be reached otherwise wax as a form of treatment is up for debate.

Although it may be impractical using standard lab equipment, bleached & impregnated B jade can be distinguished easily from wax-polished A jade using modern technology via infared spectroscopy. There will be a different "signature" in A jade vs B or B&C.

This is one of the more unique traits of jadeite which lead it to require evaluation in a lab with this technology. Otherwise, you end up with gem labs mislabeling jade quality based on outdated technique. The 1996 article is less than 20 years out from the first impregnated jade being in the market; at this point in time, no lab that willingly performs jade evaluation should be confusing wax polish with polymer impregnation.

 

[ChaiK]

I have bangles certified by GIA. Here is one of them. This was certified in 2018. It was sold to me as waxed and Type A.

So GIA will certify waxed Jadeite.

I have also jadeite bangles and jadeite pieces certified by Nanyang Lab and the Hong Kong Jade and Stone Lab. When I bought my pieces, they were sold to me as waxed and Grade A. These labs certified them as such.

@Jadeite_101 These pieces on this post are lovely! I am not allowed to come out to play yet (But when I do.........!) I happened to be passing by and thought I should say something about wax and jadeite.

 

[prs]

I am not allowed to come out to play yet (But when I do.........!)

@Jadeite_101 for sure @ChaiK will be able to play with you, when she's allowed.

 

[ChaiK]

@Jadeite_101 for sure @ChaiK will be able to play with you, when she's allowed.

Inundated with work, there is the lockdown and I am eyeing some more candy when I should not be. Truly multi-tasking.

 

[Jadeite_101]

Quarantine Lockdown extension has got my creative juices flowing. Designed a rough sketch and mock-up of a pendant and brooch. Sort of an East meets West, 1900’s Tutti Frutti X Qing Kingfisher Tiara fusion. Composed of a carved Lavender Jadeite, 30 carats of carved Blue Sapphire Leaves, 20 carats of Rubies and a Star Ruby and 19 carats of Diamonds. My drawing is terrible that’s why I prefer to design in wax. Diamonds will wrap up the entire Lavender Jadeite.



Gonna be 3rd in line to my Jadeite designs after 2 sets of bracelets first. First a set of 3 apple green jadeite bracelets. Second a set of 2 Icy Colorless Jadeite bracelets carved into Pixiu’s and enhanced by 24k gold spacers. By the rate this Quarantine Lockdown has been extended twice my chances of actually finishing the production of my designs any time soon is next to none. But hopefully all will be accomplished this year.

 

[MMtwo]

I have got questions that have been nagging me so I decided to post it here hoping for answers. How many of you believe that Jadeite Jade is primarily an “Asian”, “Oriental” or “Chinese” stone?

How many of you refrain from wearing Jadeite which feature carvings of figures? Because of cultural appropriation? And stick to “safer” more traditional shapes such as cabochons, beads and bangles?

Also would anyone be interested in knowing the meaning of such figures?

How many of you believe Jadeite is a grandmother’s stone?

I don’t know if my questions are offensive if they are I ask for understanding and forgiveness.

To give a slight background I’m from the Philippines which like the West doesn’t have a big Jade Culture. I got my love of Jadeite Jade from both my grandfathers who were Chinese from Xiamen China. They would come home from trips with Jadeite jewelry at hand as presents for my grandmothers which would eventually pass to my mom.

Hi Jadeite 101. I've enjoyed your thread and having the opportunity to look at your beautiful jades and hear about your learning and collections. I love jade. Both nephrite and jadeite. My collection is very humble compared to yours (and most other people here!). Fortunately I am delighted by just looking at jade. Learning new information is also rewarding. My father first introduced me to jade, but as a story of jade coming in a form that is more beautiful than emeralds. Back then we didn't have the internet, but he saw some when he was in the Philippines years ago. I always wanted to see this special jade. In the 1970's or 1980's, jade was not seen much in my world.

Your questions are perfectly polite. I do think of jadeite as Asian. It is so intricately part of Asian culture and seemingly understood in nuanced ways. This makes jade a formidable subject for a non-Asian living in the southern USA. There are definitely fears of taking things that are "not mine". Maybe a slight superstition or respect for not violating a sacred thing.

I have not yet bought a figure pendant, but when I do, I will probably look for an icy transparent leaf or a delicate cabbage or flower - these feel "safe".

So far for non-bangles, I have a tokki in nephrite and two jadeite beads. I do have a hand carved blue Guatemalan jadeite bead I wear on a 14k necklace. I also bought a second one from the carver and am very excited it is on the way. Vendor photo (JadeCarvingCanada).


I did enjoy you telling about the figures. They are so interesting. I do love Foo dog figures, especially.

I have no feelings about jades and grandmothers There is no cultural connection that jade is a grandmother's stone.

 

[curiosity_thrills]

Type A Jadeite, Type B Jadeite, Type C Jadeite, Enhancement, Treatment, Bleaching, Polymers, Wax, Dyes these are all common topics we come across when we start to collect Jadeite. They are contentious topics and indeed only a reputable Lab with it’s use of sophisticated techninques such as DiamondView imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and Raman spectrophotometry can ultimately determine whether something is indeed Type A material.

However there are those instances in the market where one is forced to rely on his or her honed skills in order to determine the likeliness whether a Jadeite is indeed treated or enhanced. This observations are backed by GIA and Journal of Gemology studies.

Unfortunately not all countries have been graced by reputable Labs such as the GIA as such in my country. Therefor one is left to do the following: buy something which has already been tested abroad or to gamble and trust one’s skill then send it abroad for testing. As a disclaimer I never substitute my obeservations for that of a Lab Report. But Lab Reports, unscrupulous ones where Labs can’t be traced need to be challenged by what one knows to observe.

Let’s do a side by side comparison of what to look for in Type A Jadeite and Type B, C, B + C, Coated Jadeite. Unfortunately I do not have photos to share I do not have sophisticated cameras to capture my observations. And the photos in the internet are copyrighted. One can however google what is stated below. And I will provide links to the GIA and Journal of Gemology.

Type A Jadeite:
1. Long Wave UV Light Test- inert or does not Fluoresce.
2. Cold to the touch.
3. Vitreous surface luster.
4. Under the Loupe- Orange Peel appearance or dimpling.
5. Under the Loupe- Crystal graining can be seen. Or appearance of broken ice.
6. Inclusions- Black oxide minerals, chromite, magnetite, iron spinel and pyrite. Common in Bright green, lavender and grey Jadeite.
7. Weathering Shells- intense color gradations and clear boundaries between oxide zone and interior Jadeite.
8. Inclusions- Ice Dizi, Granular Ice.
9. Fissures- White or whiter than body color.
10. Fissures- Color Block, disappearance of color at the fissure.

Type B, C, B + C, Coated Jadeite
1. Long Wave UV Test- Fluorescent
2. Warm to the touch as polymers are poor thermal conductors.
3. Looks like plastic.
4. Colors appear to float or appear out of nowhere.
5. Color fades with time.
6. Duller because polymer is less reflective.
7. Under the Loupe- Cobweb or Spiderweb surface appearance- produced by Bleaching.
8. Under the Loupe- Surface scratching
9. Under the Loupe- Surface corrosion of polymer.
10. Under the Loupe- Bubbles or lint trapped in polymer material.
11. Color collects in veins, cracks, fractures, fissures or microscopic gaps between crystal grains.
12. Filling material is visibly in large fractures.
13. Crystal graining is hard to see because of polymer.
14. Presence of “White Cotton” because of polymer.
15. Fissures are less apparent because of polymer.

Still there are skills and observations I am yet to learn such as assessing Internal behavior of light and I am yet to listen to the sound that Jadeite Bangle makes when struck.

Some light reading:

https://www.gia.edu/doc/Identification-of-Bleached-and-Polymer-Impregnated-Jadeite.pdf

Dyed and Natural Green Jadeite | Gems & Gemology

Spectroscopy and microscopic observation reveal that areas of a natural green jadeite carving have been dyed.

www.gia.edu

Strong Fluorescence in B-Jade Impregnated with Wax | Gems & Gemology

A bangle is an example of the misconception that B jade is only impregnated by resin, when in fact wax-impregnated jadeite is also considered B-jade.

www.gia.edu

Characteristics of Coated Jadeite Jade | Gems & Gemology

Analyzes the effects of coating on green jadeite specimens using DiamondView imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and Raman spectrophotometry.

www.gia.edu

http://www.docs.i-version.com/iversion/download.aspx?id=6WHGZ9BR&start=55&end=61

Further Reading with illustrations:

5 Types of Jade Bangle Treatment

Detailed information on treatments applied to Jade Bangle Bracelets. Treated Jade Bangles are common in the market place today and are there to deceive consumers.

www.mays.com.au

How to Identify Treated Jadeite (‘B’ Jade)

» How to Identify Treated Jadeite (‘B’ Jade) | Jadeite jade bangles, jadeite jade pendant, jadeite jade bead bracelets for all jade lovers with life time money back guarantee

www.ultimatejadeite.com

Burmese Jade, Part 2 — Pala international

www.palagems.com

*Fun fact it was Dowager Empress Cixi of China who was said to have trained her fingers to recognize Jadeite.

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am finding all of your posts quite enjoyable and informative. With regard to Grade A, I purchased a bracelet from Jadeite888 on Etsy purported to be Grade A untreated jadeite but am now curious to try the UV fluorescence test. If anyone has any thoughts from seeing the picture or dealing with the seller, I'd appreciate reading them.

Part of the joy I derive from purchasing stones is knowing how much history they have as both geological objects and cultural objects, so I hate the idea that I may have bought something treated. But with so much to be aware of in the realm of jadeite when even certifications can be suspect, I find almost tmyself paralyzed as a buyer.

 

[brocanteur]

Hi all,
I understand that these bracelets were produced widely for the Chinese export market in the 50s and 60s, but Im trying to determine whether this piece, set with 14ct gold connectors of carved orchids, is possibly mutton fat jadeite.
So far the temperature test suggests jade, and the knife test deflects a blade. Short of taking to a gemologist, is there any way I can determine if its true jadeite? It has a slightly mottled effect when light passes through it.
Thank you for any insights.

 

[userangl28212003]

My small but lovely green pear 2.55cts GIA cert type A jadeite ring in platinum with diamonds

 

[mina78]

Here's a recent find of mine from a job lot of 'costume jewellery'. I suspect it's a 19th century pendant that has been mounted in white gold and exported to the west as a brooch.

It's 2 inches in length, weighs 15 grams, and has a baby dragon/ 'chilong' climbing up the side.

The colours in the photos are how it looks in real life...













I will be sending it off to a local gem laboratory to get tested for treatments asap.