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Jadeite, the rarest and most valuable form of jade, is also known as 'Burmese Jade', (after its traditional and still most important source). It has been in wide use only since the mid-18th century, and today is considered the 'precious' form of jade. Most 'fine jewelry' items of jade consist of jadeite. Jadeite exhibits a wide palette of sometimes vibrant colors, often with translucence. Green is the most valuable color; in particular, a translucent emerald-green is the most prized of all, and is sometimes called 'Imperial Green'. Jadeite is also available in lavender, red, yellow, black and white.
Where are the source of the jadeite on this site?
The jadeite is mined from Burma and the carving is done by skillful jade carving artists in China.
What are the differences between jade and jadeite?
Jadeite is a gem quality precious stone, hardness 6.5-7, is one kind of jade that is produced only in mines from Burma (95%) and its surrounding areas. As for jewelry, Jadeite is the most desirable and most valuable, for its rich color and shine. Because of its hardness and its special quality of changing to a more beautiful and translucent color after being worn by its owner, it is the most valuable type of jade that people all over the world are seeking after.
Many people will call Jadeite as Chinese Jade. Well, it is because Burma is so close to China, and the Chinese have over three thousands years of history in carving/wearing jade. In worldwide jade market, 95% of jade is supplied from Burma, but 99% of Burma jade is shipped to China first for carving then sold from China.
Serpentine, Aventurine are Jade-like stones, hardness 6-6.5, are semi-precious stones, and not of gem quality. Nephrite is jade, hardness 6-6.5. Good white color Nephrite Jade carving is a piece of art.
What are the different grades of jade?
"A" quality jade indicates the natural jadeite without undergoing any artificial treatment, alteration or enhancement. Such kind of natural jadeite does not change with the passage of time. It can be preserved forever and wears well.
"B" quality jade is defined as the natural jadeite having undergone a process of acid treatment, removed the impurities, and impregnated with colloidal silica or resin. Normally, this kind of jadeite will turn yellow gradually in 5-10 years and slowly the surface color will come off due to the aging of resin or colloid. Meanwhile, the composition of inherent texture of jadeite has been destroyed during the acid treatment which affects immediately its durability.
"C" quality jade is specified as the natural jadeite having undergone artificial treatment, colloid impregnation plus adding the new pigment substance. (Dyed color). We may also say that not only its internal texture has been undermined but also its internal color was artificially added in.
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