More rock collecting (nephrite and jadeite)

[Crimson]

I had read years ago on another pearl forum that the knotting is a western thing. As long as the beads are okay, so am I. The dark green flower necklace is only 20 inches, so I will probably knot that one for added length. The chatoyant nephrite can also use the length.

It helps to know others have had a wild jade spree. My husband is being pretty understanding as I have loaded my cart up at KJ with feverish regularity. He helped me pick the newest dark green. Then I showed him the prices grade A goes for in the US. I feel pretty confident I could sell what I bought and be okay.

I think all of the boxes have been checked. Bright, quiet, light, dark, flower, icy, opaque...I think I caught as many as I can afford for now. My wallet is crying. I think I am done for now...until next year. I still need a pair of simple icy green studs.

@MMtwo, I relish the idea of a jade spree! Your husband is truly understanding. Hm, guys can wear Jade too, ahem…esp pins or brooches which are so on trend.
Yes, have a rest for now and savour all your Jade, slowly…simple icy studs are not hard to find so they can wait.

 

[MMtwo]

Finished the stringing for now. A few unfortunate knots, and wish I had used a darker gray or dark olive. But for the jade, it is lovely in the sunlight. The knots are a celery green, but look washed out in the pictures. The chatoyancy gives a cats eye effect.

 

[MMtwo]

Restrung the lavender mystery beads. Needed knot covers, so this is a temporary restring. Anyhow, chalk it up to practice. I removed the funky dark beads. Gave the beads a bath in the ultrasonic. Looking better and feeling good on, even if they may have treatment.

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

I cracked.

Meet Elenor. They’re a bicolor nephrite jade pixiu from AffluentGems on Etsy. I love them.




They also sent a little gift: a little nephrite ball. I suspect it’s dyed, but it was free, so I have no issue.

 

[MMtwo]

I love them… love!!!!!!!! How cute and the name is prefect. The teeth . Now you’re safe.

I have enjoyed the gifts that ride along in some purchases. This may sound disrespectful, more a cultural ignorance on my part. First bangle I bought came with a lavender gourd. I had not done enough jade shopping at that time, and was so mystified at why they sent a lavender poop emoji.

How far I have come.

 

[MMtwo]

@Lentibulariaceae that color. What a beauty!

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

@Lentibulariaceae that color. What a beauty!

Aren’t they? I’ve been casually looking for a nice nephrite specimen for forever but most of the carvings aren’t my style. The “ribs” on his back are also great for worrying with when the Existential Dread kicks in.

 

[MMtwo]

@Lentibulariaceae oh perfect worry stones. There is something transcendent when the texture, translucence and glow meet in a carving like this. So much energy too. Great pick!!! Lol, I keep coming back to appreciate how beautiful it is.

I am wearing my jade beads and can’t keep my hands off them. Great worry stones!

 

[Crimson]

Finished the stringing for now. A few unfortunate knots, and wish I had used a darker gray or dark olive. But for the jade, it is lovely in the sunlight. The knots are a celery green, but look washed out in the pictures. The chatoyancy gives a cats eye effect.

Ooh, the chatoyancy is marvelous!

 

[Crimson]

I cracked.

Meet Elenor. They’re a bicolor nephrite jade pixiu from AffluentGems on Etsy. I love them.




They also sent a little gift: a little nephrite ball. I suspect it’s dyed, but it was free, so I have no issue.

Gorgeous! Eleanor the pixiu has some attitude. It certainly looks protective

I love them… love!!!!!!!! How cute and the name is prefect. The teeth . Now you’re safe.

I have enjoyed the gifts that ride along in some purchases. This may sound disrespectful, more a cultural ignorance on my part. First bangle I bought came with a lavender gourd. I had not done enough jade shopping at that time, and was so mystified at why they sent a lavender poop emoji.

The gourd looked like poop? It is not supposed to
Now I am wondering and need to see a photo.
I used to buy my nephrite from JadeMineCanaddon Etsy (Nikki and Paul are really kind). I also bought some lovely pieces from a seller in the Ural Mountains but he closed after Russia invaded Ukraine.
In Singapore, there is gegegems, which has a wide selection.

gegegems

gegegems

gegegems.com

 

[MMtwo]

Here is the gourd, and I pray that vendor never sees it! Now I see a gourd.

Thank you. I do love these Russian Nephrite beads. Even in low light, they have that gemmy, glowy look. I need to restring in a different color, not sure what yet.

Restrung the lavenders a second time and still not satisfied. However, looking much better. I will send them in for testing soon.

 

[MMtwo]

Gorgeous! Eleanor the pixiu has some attitude. It certainly looks protective

The gourd looked like poop? It is not supposed to
Now I am wondering and need to see a photo.
I used to buy my nephrite from JadeMineCanaddon Etsy (Nikki and Paul are really kind). I also bought some lovely pieces from a seller in the Ural Mountains but he closed after Russia invaded Ukraine.
In Singapore, there is gegegems, which has a wide selection.

gegegems

gegegems

gegegems.com

Oh the Makepeace family at JadeMine Canada. Lovely folks and pioneers in the Canadian jade industry. I bought a couple items from there. They are lovely people! Not that I know them, but their name keeps cropping up in books and online Jade information.

Thanks for the heads up. I will look at gegems.

 

[MMtwo]

Also, I want to add (and I think this is cute) I am now getting email advertising in Chinese.

 

[MMtwo]

One more tidbit, Andrew Shaw has published a new book on Jade. Andrew Shaw is a former BBC Journalist who decided to move to China and become a jade carver. I picked it up last night but did not start it yet. I mean, this sounds like an interesting read to b sure. I enjoyed his first book "Jade Life" chronicling his move from England to China, and working through the cultural shifts and jade culture. There are few glimpses into this world from the West, and I found it fascinating.

Jade is the most romantic and blood drenched stone on earth. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. In more recent times, spoiled heiresses with more money than sense and hard nosed businessmen who should have known better squandered fortunes collecting it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. A Jade Treasury is Andrew’s third book. It follows his best selling JADE LIFE about the world of jade in modern China and his critically acclaimed book, SPOIL, which catalogues the jades looted from China by the West. You can buy a copy of Andrew’s new book, A Jade Treasury,HERE

 

[MMtwo]

Also, just one more. I liked the strong color.

 

[Crimson]

Here is the gourd, and I pray that vendor never sees it! Now I see a gourd.

Hehe! Thank you, @MMtwo. The gourd represents healing. Wow, your earring collection is extensive

One more tidbit, Andrew Shaw has published a new book on Jade. Andrew Shaw is a former BBC Journalist who decided to move to China and become a jade carver. I picked it up last night but did not start it yet. I mean, this sounds like an interesting read to b sure. I enjoyed his first book "Jade Life" chronicling his move from England to China, and working through the cultural shifts and jade culture. There are few glimpses into this world from the West, and I found it fascinating.

Jade is the most romantic and blood drenched stone on earth. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. In more recent times, spoiled heiresses with more money than sense and hard nosed businessmen who should have known better squandered fortunes collecting it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. A Jade Treasury is Andrew’s third book. It follows his best selling JADE LIFE about the world of jade in modern China and his critically acclaimed book, SPOIL, which catalogues the jades looted from China by the West. You can buy a copy of Andrew’s new book, A Jade Treasury,HERE

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I admire him for making such a dramatic change and then excelling at it. Jade goes back all the way to the Neolithic ages in China. Jade was used in religious ceremonies as the connection to the spirits or higher powers. Many ritual objects were made of jade (nephrite). One of the symbols that has persisted through time is the "bi", now called a safety buckle or rather unceremoniously, a doughnut. Another an the obelisk. I have attached a photo my my "mutton fat" bi.

Neolithic Jade – China Online Museum

www.comuseum.com

Also, just one more. I liked the strong color.

I like how casually you said, "Just one more" Good going!

 

[MMtwo]

@Crimson yeah, gotta carch them all! I’m a bit embarrassed to get another, but there it is.

A beautiful bi! Love the creamy color. I appreciate your sharing of knowledge, i enjoyed the pictures from the museum. So much to learn on the topic.

 

[MMtwo]

Restrung the lavender mystery beads. Needed knot covers, so this is a temporary restring. Anyhow, chalk it up to practice. I removed the funky dark beads. Gave the beads a bath in the ultrasonic. Looking better and feeling good on, even if they may have treatment.

Akkkk, I am on the moon. These tested as type A. I just received an email from Mason Kay. So, for the record, occasionally lavender can have some natural minerals that glow.

I was going to just opt for the email result, but definitely having a written report now.

 

[Crimson]

Akkkk, I am on the moon. These tested as type A. I just received an email from Mason Kay. So, for the record, occasionally lavender can have some natural minerals that glow.

Oh yaaay! so happy for you.
Since you are on the moon you need a jade rabbit that lives on the moon.
Here’s mine, saying Hello.
Yes, lavender jadeite can glow.
Here’s my pinkish lavender ring. It color shifts between more purple and more,pink.

 

[MMtwo]

Oh yaaay! so happy for you.
Since you are on the moon you need a jade rabbit that lives on the moon.
Here’s mine, saying Hello.
Yes, lavender jadeite can glow.
Here’s my pinkish lavender ring. It color shifts between more purple and more,pink.

Ha, what a darling bunny! Love the crouching stance.
Does yours glow under UV? The ring is beautiful. I love the color, it is very serene. And so transparent for a lavender! You have such lovely jade in your collection, Crimson.

 

[Crimson]

Ha, what a darling bunny! Love the crouching stance.
Does yours glow under UV? The ring is beautiful. I love the color, it is very serene. And so transparent for a lavender! You have such lovely jade in your collection, Crimson.

Glad you like the bunny. Like all good Chinese bunnies she is holding on to a large gold coin (carved as part of the piece). I got her from Kathy Jade.
Speaking of Kathy, sigh… there is a cute piece that I am trying not to buy. It is a qilin, which is one of my fav mythical creatures but after my spree last week I really must resist…
Hm. I don’t think my lavender ring is reactive to UV light.
Enjoy your lovely lavender necklace! It must feel really satisfying that it is Type A.

 

[MMtwo]

It is so hard to resist things at Kathy I was making my daughter nervous showing her one adorable purple jade Panda for a mere $25,000. There goes her inheritance. Just joking, not happening on my budget, but he is cute.


I did think it could have been A jade, even though it was UV reactive because it was so heavy, so cool and under the microscope there were no dye webs or unnatural colors or fibers or bubbles. I was also excited they were interested in purchasing, if I were inclined to rehome it. Which I am not, because I will wear them often.

Speaking of some of my longer jade bead necklaces, I will restring and knot using 14k plain clasps, so there are projects ahead. I will make them shorter, so I will have extra beads. Once I have my surplus, I may make an extra necklace.

 

[Crimson]

It is so hard to resist things at Kathy I was making my daughter nervous showing her one adorable purple jade Panda for a mere $25,000. There goes her inheritance. Just joking, not happening on my budget, but he is cute.


I did think it could have been A jade, even though it was UV reactive because it was so heavy, so cool and under the microscope there were no dye webs or unnatural colors or fibers or bubbles. I was also excited they were interested in purchasing, if I were inclined to rehome it. Which I am not, because I will wear them often.

Speaking of some of my longer jade bead necklaces, I will restring and knot using 14k plain clasps, so there are projects ahead. I will make them shorter, so I will have extra beads. Once I have my surplus, I may make an extra necklace.

That panda is gloriously rounded!
Wow, an offer to buy already? You must have been so pleased
Yes, better to enjoy them first! Looks as if you will be very busy with your necklaces! Have fun and please share more as you go along.

 

[MMtwo]

Oh @Crimson it is said that idle hands are the devils workshop, yet after an exhausting day of cooking for my extended family, I found another (I speculate) A jade. Call it gambling with jade . I think this one is probably untreated due to the variations and healthy weight. 24" (about 60mm) and the weight is 62g. It is labeled green, but not the first time I see blue when something is labeled green. Whatever they are (I will wait and see) I will restring and send in for testing.

I am thinking of stringing on denim blue colored silk.

 

[Crimson]

Oh @Crimson it is said that idle hands are the devils workshop, yet after an exhausting day of cooking for my extended family, I found another (I speculate) A jade. Call it gambling with jade . I think this one is probably untreated due to the variations and healthy weight. 24" (about 60mm) and the weight is 62g. It is labeled green, but not the first time I see blue when something is labeled green. Whatever they are (I will wait and see) I will restring and send in for testing.

I am thinking of stringing on denim blue colored silk.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you managed to get some rest.
Ooh, I see a pretty shade of blue too you just reminded me that there is a confusion in translation sometimes. 青 which is a more bluish kind of green is sometimes translated as blue. Is this vendor a Chinese person?
I like your choice of denim blue silk. The current choice doesn’t do it justice.
Th clasp is so pretty, too.
Haha, Jade gambling is very much a thing. Hope your bet pays off!

 

[MMtwo]

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you managed to get some rest.
Ooh, I see a pretty shade of blue too you just reminded me that there is a confusion in translation sometimes. 青 which is a more bluish kind of green is sometimes translated as blue. Is this vendor a Chinese person?
I like your choice of denim blue silk. The current choice doesn’t do it justice.
Th clasp is so pretty, too.
Haha, Jade gambling is very much a thing. Hope your bet pays off!

Thank you it was a lovely day with family. I was sore today, so only shopped for Black Friday deals from home.

Interesting thoughts on the translation. It could be! Or it will arrive a green necklace and I didn't see the right color like the old blue or white dress viral post a few years ago.

I do not know about the seller, only that they are in the NY Diamond District, have been buying and selling estate items a long time, and they do have signed jade, such as Gumps, priced at the usual 1,600 ish per strand. So I would assume they are knowledgeable.

We'll see. I do think the clasp is promising for lovely beads. Crossing my fingers.

 

[MMtwo]

Update on the gamble beads: they arrived. The color shift depending on light between blue green and pale green. They are shifty! Aliso very pale and nice on. The texture is opaque and I do think they are possibly natural untreated. Compared to my other beads, the weight and feel is the same. I have a large order of beading thread coming, so will re-knot and send in.


The new ones are third from the right. The lavenders are missing - coming home from Mason Kay today.



Then, on my pale blue deskmat





—— and then….

I then picked up a new necklace. I was not going to, as my pocketbook is crying...but it was under 100, and marked jadeite by a good ebay seller. 6mm beads, 30".
I wasn't going to budge but then they sent an offer. I kept looking at them.

What leads me to lean towards jadeite: the translucency and pictures have a look that is sort of hard to find in other beads. Could be quartz, but if dyed quartz, wouldn't they be a brighter color? The close up has that shiny fingerprint/sugary texture and feel of jade. The amount of shine is right. The translucence and matching would make this a nice necklace if jade. Ignore the blackspots, other pictures show as dirt and bits of fiber.

 

[MMtwo]

Ugh, new green blue beads third from the left. My post is too late to edit.

 

[Crimson]

Update on the gamble beads: they arrived. The color shift depending on light between blue green and pale green. They are shifty! Aliso very pale and nice on. The texture is opaque and I do think they are possibly natural untreated. Compared to my other beads, the weight and feel is the same. I have a large order of beading thread coming, so will re-knot and send in.


—— and then….

I then picked up a new necklace. I was not going to, as my pocketbook is crying...but it was under 100, and marked jadeite by a good ebay seller. 6mm beads, 30".
I wasn't going to budge but then they sent an offer. I kept looking at them.

What leads me to lean towards jadeite: the translucency and pictures have a look that is sort of hard to find in other beads. Could be quartz, but if dyed quartz, wouldn't they be a brighter color? The close up has that shiny fingerprint/sugary texture and feel of jade. The amount of shine is right. The translucence and matching would make this a nice necklace if jade. Ignore the blackspots, other pictures show as dirt and bits of fiber.

The new beads look nice on you! Hope you are enjoying the color shifts.
LOL, when I read “large order of beading thread” I knew there were going to be more beads on the way!!!
Hm, the yellow strand looks interesting but I would guess not jadeite? I have seen yellow jade that hue but the texture doesn’t look like jadeite.
Maybe quartzite (pic below). But hard to tell from photos. Have you checked with a bright light and loupe?
As to the wording, There are other minerals loosely called jade, which are not jade: Korea jade (serpentine), Malay jade (quartzite), serpentine, aventurine, soapstone etc.

On a separate note, I saw these today and thought of you! Something to go with your necklaces? These petite beads are very popular at the moment.

 

[MMtwo]

The new beads look nice on you! Hope you are enjoying the color shifts.
LOL, when I read “large order of beading thread” I knew there were going to be more beads on the way!!!
Hm, the yellow strand looks interesting but I would guess not jadeite? I have seen yellow jade that hue but the texture doesn’t look like jadeite.
Maybe quartzite (pic below). But hard to tell from photos. Have you checked with a bright light and loupe?
As to the wording, There are other minerals loosely called jade, which are not jade: Korea jade (serpentine), Malay jade (quartzite), serpentine, aventurine, soapstone etc.

On a separate note, I saw these today and thought of you! Something to go with your necklaces? These petite beads are very popular at the moment.

Thank you! Yes, I am loving the beads and the choices available. I do have so much thread coming. I was informed by a vendor I should use nylon, not silk, to knot the beads. The weight of the jade does not last as long with silk. I don't mind restringing. The first three from the left will be restrung. The first two from KathyJade are too long on me, so I will restring to a more manageable length and also change the clasps to be a simple 14k gold ball clasp. I also prefer the knotted look for larger beads (7mm+). Not sure what I will do with the extra beads from both necklaces. The new shift necklace just needs a restring.

I love those little bracelet's! You know me well. Those are pretty and budget friendly to boot! I believe I would restring into a necklace. In this case, as tiny as they are, not knotted.