Jade valuation is determined by many factors — some technical, some aesthetic, some scientific and some historical. For millennia, jade was used for utilitarian purposes, like cups and buckles. Many ancient pieces of jade were repurposed in the late 19th century as jewelry. Jade can be jadeite — the finest form – or nephrite.
Jadeite often retains its value, especially signed items by Gump’s, Tiffany and Cartier, as well as larger, ancient Asian pieces. Large nephrite objets d’art of various colors — not just green — can be worth a fortune. Color can vary from mutton-fat white to rust to red to shades of green.
We have sold small, fine translucent jadeite rings worth as much as $15,000, as well as larger ruyi (scepters) worth over $50,000. There are many non-jade simulants – like carnelian, meta-jade, green glass and aventurine.
The lavender ring (a.) is dyed jade and worth very little. (b.) is fine jadeite and worth $500-$1,500. The large, white mutton-fat pendant (c.) can be worth $100- $10,000, depending on carving and color. The 18K gold watch (d.) is a museum piece that we purchased for $5,000.
