At JADE LIFE, authenticity is highly valued both in the choice of material and design. We use only Type A jadeite — the highest quality of jade — sourced directly from Burma. Jade stones are selected with great care before they are hand-carved into stunning designs that are the epitome of the jeweller’s art.

To determine the value of natural jadeite, experts check for the following:


Colour

strength and distribution of colour
Transparency
/ Clarity

the amount of light that passes through the material, and the amount of impurities and imperfections
Size

size, thickness and weight
Craftsmanship

how appealing and symmetrical the carving is
 
It should be noted that jadeite cannot be graded in the same way as diamonds or other gemstones because there are thousands of variations in colour. Every piece of jade is unique in its texture.

Due to the unique nature of jadeite and subjective reasons such as individual preference, it is virtually impossible to put a fixed price on jade. For finished products made with jade, traders generally make use of very similar valuation systems. The valuation of jadeite boulders, however, may vary tremendously depending on personal preference and individual markets. It is normal that loose stones taken from a jadeite boulder differ greatly in tone and colour, and it is extremely rare to find items of similar colour and quality from the same boulder.

Gem Testing Laboratories: Identifying genuine jade and other gemstones cannot be done by eye alone. If you have any doubt about the piece you have purchased, we can recommend two certified gem testing laboratories in Hong Kong for your peace of mind:

Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory Ltd.
www.jewellery-hk.org
Tel: (852) 2388 9286

Asian Gemological Institute & Laboratory Ltd.
www.agil.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2723 0429
 
Jadeite is classified into types A, B, C and B+C, depending on the treatment received during the manufacturing process. Jadeite of different types has different values.
A
NATURAL JADEITE
Type A Jade


This type of jade has received only a traditional polishing treatment and is completely free from chemical treatments. Type A Jade is cleaned with a lye solution and sour plum pulp to remove stains and polished with colourless Sichuan wax to enhance its lustre and smoothness. These procedures do not alter or damage the jadeite’s structure and are compliant with international jewellery industry standards.
B
CHEMICALLY BLEACHED &
POLYMER IMPREGNATED JADEITE
Type B Jade

This type of jade has a lower value than Type A Jade due to the chemical treatment it receives. Bleaching jadeite with strong acid can remove some impurities, but its texture will be damaged. Impregnation with polymer can enhance its appearance and transparency, but as the polymer ages the jadeite will eventually lose its texture and lustre. Moreover, a Type B Jade does not endure heat and pressure as well as Type A Jade.
 
C
DYE COLOURED JADEITE
Type C Jade

This type of jade is of inferior quality, as it is stained with vegetable or other organic dyes to improve the intensity of the colour.
B+C
DYE COLOURED &
POLYMER IMPREGNATED JADEITE
Type B+C Jade

This type of jade has had dye added to it during the process of polymer impregnation.