Few gems create more confusion than “jade.” A green stone “jade” ring might be worth $50, $5,000 or $100,000. True jade consists of two distinctly different materials: nephrite and jadeite.
Despite online claims, federal guidelines consider it deceptive to use an unqualified gem name for material that’s not actually that stone. So-called Mexican jade,” “new jade” and “Korean jade” are incorrect.
“Mexican jade” is calcite, a soft material also marketed as Mexican onyx. Not true onyx nor jade, just decorative and inexpensive.
Nephrite is genuine jade. It consists primarily of fibers of the amphibole minerals tremolite and actinolite, notes Katrina. Usually creamy white, gray, spinach green or nearly black, it often has a waxy appearance. Ordinary nephrite is generally less expensive than fine jadeite, although white “mutton-fat” nephrite seen in antique pieces and important carvings can command huge six-figure prices.
Jadeite is the champ of the jade world. It occurs in white, lavender, yellow, orange, red, black and numerous greens. The most coveted variety, imperial jade, displays an intense, evenly distributed emerald-green color, fine texture and excellent translucency.
The finest jadeite appears almost wet, with an inner glow floating beneath its surface. Gemologists often compare it to green Prell shampoo, an inelegant but surprisingly accurate description. Think of emerald-green honey illuminated from within.
Color, translucency, texture, cracks and thickness all affect value. Treatment is important. Natural, untreated material is called Type A jadeite. Chemically bleached and polymer-impregnated jadeite is Type B; dyed material is Type C. These treatments reduce value enormously.
Guatemalan jade is not automatically an inexpensive imitation. Guatemala produces genuine jadeite, including some beautifully translucent green material. Quality, not geography, determines its worth, though Burma jadeite is preferred.
Fine jadeite mounted by Cartier, Tiffany or Van Cleef will bring far more than unsigned examples. We recently sold the spectacular jadeite ring pictured for a Wesley Chapel woman for over $80,000. The lesson: Never ask only, “Is it jade?” Ask which jade, whether it is treated and if a respected gemological laboratory has examined it. Need to know? Bring it to Katrina, she has a lab full of machines and a keen eye.
