Good point about not wearing "treated" jade on a regular basis. So am I correct in understanding that a lower quality untreated jade would be better to wear than a higher quality treated jade? ...and if it doesn't have those "pitted type marks" when viewed through a jewelers loupe can we assume that it's not treated?
Qn on jade bangle
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Good point about not wearing "treated" jade on a regular basis. So am I correct in understanding that a lower quality untreated jade would be better to wear than a higher quality treated jade? ...and if it doesn't have those "pitted type marks" when viewed through a jewelers loupe can we assume that it's not treated?
As long as it's untreated it's fine to wear. Better quality "A" jadeite simply means more translucence and deeper colour (in general). As for treated jadeite, quality doesn't matter because either way it's still chemically treated, and you really don't want whatever was injected in to leak out and come in contact with your skin.
If there are no small pits it is likely that the jadeite could be untreated. However, you still need to consider other factors such as:
Of course the most accurate way to test whether your jadeite is natural is to find its refractive index, hardness, specific gravity and a bunch of stuff that you can't do at home
But if you go to a store armed with the info above you should do quite well 
If there are no small pits it is likely that the jadeite could be untreated. However, you still need to consider other factors such as:
- Flies' wings
Note - bear in mind that flies' wings in the extremely expensive bangles like the one below ($765k
) won't be obvious to the naked eye
- Price - if you see a bangle like the one above being offered for $5000, chances are it's either chemically treated or the pic has been photoshopped (or both!)
On the other hand if it's the bangle below ($280, grade A) it's likely to be natural, because it's not really worth the time nor effort to treat then sell at this price; the most commonly faked bangles are of the translucent imperial green variety which are otherwise prohibitively expensive.
- The small pits.
Note - sometimes natural A jade will have a few pits (independent pits, caused by a less than perfect sanding & polishing job) like this:
And this:
Compare the pics with the two below (both treated) where it looks as if some pits are joined up:
- The way it reflects light - natural jadeite should have a glass like shine as opposed to the waxy, slightly dull look of treated jadeite.
- Colour - evenly distributed, should look natural (this is difficult to explain but after you've looked at a few grade A bangles you will get a decent idea of what natural colour looks like) with a fairly clear distinction between where one colour/shade ends and another starts, like the example below:
It should not look blotchy:
And this is beyond horrendous:
Of course the most accurate way to test whether your jadeite is natural is to find its refractive index, hardness, specific gravity and a bunch of stuff that you can't do at home
But if you go to a store armed with the info above you should do quite well
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You're welcome I've really enjoyed reading about jadeite (it's addictive!) and attempting to translate what I've learned.
I'll post more pics tomorrow of some of the bangles I found online, bed time for me
I've really enjoyed reading about jadeite (it's addictive!) and attempting to translate what I've learned.I'll post more pics tomorrow of some of the bangles I found online, bed time for me
Yes, thank you Storm Spirit!
That 765K bracelet is exactly the type of bracelet I go "oooh!" over. I like that pale look combined with darker streaks. Although I do like that 285 bangle as well.
I hope more people come in to post pics of their jade!
That 765K bracelet is exactly the type of bracelet I go "oooh!" over. I like that pale look combined with darker streaks. Although I do like that 285 bangle as well.
I hope more people come in to post pics of their jade!
You're welcome
I'll post more pics tomorrow of some of the bangles I found online, bed time for me
Yes, do post more. This is really very interesting.
Here are the pics as promised! Included the converted prices in $ to give you an idea of the sort of bangle you could get. Enjoy
$45
$107
$125
$157
$216
$611
$1066
$1881
$2006
$3448
$5957
$7336
$11,760
$14,890
$23,500
$42,000
$54,900
$106,600
$875,000
$4.2 million
$45
$107
$125
$157
$216
$611
$1066
$1881
$2006
$3448
$5957
$7336
$11,760
$14,890
$23,500
$42,000
$54,900
$106,600
$875,000
$4.2 million
Hello Storm Spirit, thank you for all the informative pictures. Do you recommend buying a jade bangle online ? There seems to be a few websites that have a large range of bangles. In Melbourne, there is several jade jewelry shops in Chinatown, but i am afraid of being ripped off ..
If you're buying online you need to find a reputable site which might be difficult, because jade bangles don't appeal as much to the Western market, so sources are probably limited. You're also likely to pay over the odds for a bangle, due to the increased costs of exporting and adding another middleman. Only thing I can recommend is to look at a lot of bangles to get an idea of what they normally go for, and haggle when you see something you like.
There's a Chinese proverb which says "you can put a price on gold & silver, but jade is priceless" and it's true - it's very difficult to put a price on jade. Therefore as long as you find something you really love within your budget, it's worth it.
A haggling tip I picked up
Even if you're in love with a bangle, you absolutely must pick out its flaws e.g. it's a little too big/small, too green/not green enough, you can see cracks or lines or other imperfections inside of the bangle, etc. And rather than coming up with a random price, ask them what is the lowest price they're willing to sell at, then knock it down from there. It really helps if you know what you're talking about, but if you don't know, act like it
Here are the pics as promised! Included the converted prices in $ to give you an idea of the sort of bangle you could get. Enjoy
$106,600
Storm Spirit, the lavender and green bangle for $106,600 looks other-worldly, almost surreal. My first jade bangle was lavender (unfortunately, it's MIA and now I will renew my efforts to find it). Amazing! If I ever win mega-lotta, acquiring an exquisite bangle like that would be a no-brainer. Where did you get the photos from?
It's here - there are more pics of it for you to drool over
It has glass like translucence (the most expensive variety) but its description doesn't mention lavender, so might just be the lighting.My pics are either from the shop above or this shop, both of which have excellent reputation on 3 different forums.
(Prices are in RMB)
To add to Storm Spirit's advice. I would bring a small flashlight to shine beneath the jade to check for translucency and undertones, as well as a magnifying glass or loupe to check for pitting. Offer to pay in cash, if possible, and try to visit as many stores as you can to see what the available stock is. Also, be willing to walk away if you do not like the price - if they are having a slow day, or there is a lot of competition in the area (as there usually is in Chinatowns), they will invariably call you back to renegotiate. If you've done your homework, and they believe you know what you are looking for, they will be less inclined to take advantage of you. If you don't like the stock in the counters, as to see the "good stuff" that they keep in the back in safes. Good luck!
It's here - there are more pics of it for you to drool over
My pics are either from the shop above or this shop, both of which have excellent reputation on 3 different forums.
(Prices are in RMB)
Not fair! Everything is in Chinese
. I wonder why they don't have the site translated into other languages? I have never seen such translucency in real jade, and I've seen a lot of jade. So, now that you are the resident expert, where will be go next to find your holy grail jade bangle?
Thank you but I'm far, far, from an expert 
I actually have my eye on a bangle from the first shop, but I'll need to have it sent to my auntie's address, ask her to take it for another appraisal then have my cousin bring it to the UK at the end of September. Problem is my (possibly technophobic) auntie is quite against internet shopping for high value items despite the shop having a 7 day returns policy, excellent feedback on Taobao (a bit like ebay) and raving reviews on different forums (she thinks they're mostly fixed). Plus, buyers are protected under Taobao's policies so the risk is fairly low.
This is the one I like and it's in my size!
I actually have my eye on a bangle from the first shop, but I'll need to have it sent to my auntie's address, ask her to take it for another appraisal then have my cousin bring it to the UK at the end of September. Problem is my (possibly technophobic
) auntie is quite against internet shopping for high value items despite the shop having a 7 day returns policy, excellent feedback on Taobao (a bit like ebay) and raving reviews on different forums (she thinks they're mostly fixed). Plus, buyers are protected under Taobao's policies so the risk is fairly low.This is the one I like and it's in my size!
Thank you but I'm far, far, from an expert
I actually have my eye on a bangle from the first shop, but I'll need to have it sent to my auntie's address, ask her to take it for another appraisal then have my cousin bring it to the UK at the end of September. Problem is my (possibly technophobic
This is the one I like and it's in my size!
It's beautiful, and looks very expensive. Please let us know if and when you get it, and please post modeling pix too.
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