The JADE thread!

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Gorgeous blue
By the way I’m in Toronto too ( Markham) Hope you are enjoying my city:smile:
If you look around you’ll see jade being worn. Have you had the chance to go jade shopping? How does it compare to San Francisco?

I think Markham is better for jade than San Francisco! I love Pacific Mall in Markham (that's the only place I visited so far for jade here). There is a little stall, right in the food court that has some amazing bangles (unfortunately, the one I fell in love with is a 53mm, I wear a 55mm).

The problem with San Francisco is that China Town is quite touristy (unless you go to the Inner Richmond, where there is not much jade), so the jade I saw in San Fran China Town looked 99% color treated. Also, because they are targeting tourists, it's always super overpriced.

I was shocked how well-priced jade was in Markham (and was quite into the selection of the little stall I found in the Pacific Mall food court). But, I did notice that some of the 'jade' in the stores of Pacific Mall was definitely not jade. One of the fancy looking stores had a pretty display of expertly carved rocks, all labeled as icy jadeite, but none of them looked like jade... So I asked the seller to see a certificate (after she told me that they were certified jadeite), at which point she said it's a jadeite called albite... :hrmm: (After which I googled albite... pretty but very soft rock).
I am in love with Toronto (Living dowtown for the next few months)! :heart:
 
I think Markham is better for jade than San Francisco! I love Pacific Mall in Markham (that's the only place I visited so far for jade here). There is a little stall, right in the food court that has some amazing bangles (unfortunately, the one I fell in love with is a 53mm, I wear a 55mm).

The problem with San Francisco is that China Town is quite touristy (unless you go to the Inner Richmond, where there is not much jade), so the jade I saw in San Fran China Town looked 99% color treated. Also, because they are targeting tourists, it's always super overpriced.

I was shocked how well-priced jade was in Markham (and was quite into the selection of the little stall I found in the Pacific Mall food court). But, I did notice that some of the 'jade' in the stores of Pacific Mall was definitely not jade. One of the fancy looking stores had a pretty display of expertly carved rocks, all labeled as icy jadeite, but none of them looked like jade... So I asked the seller to see a certificate (after she told me that they were certified jadeite), at which point she said it's a jadeite called albite... :hrmm: (After which I googled albite... pretty but very soft rock).
I am in love with Toronto (Living dowtown for the next few months)! :heart:

Yes Pacific Mall has some jade shops/stalls. I’ve bought from Pacific Mall. Which stall near the food court are you referring to? When you walk towards he food court, there are two stalls selling jade on the left and one on the right. There is also one near the middle section. If you get a chance, check out First Markham Place which is about 10 min away from Pacific Mall. There is a store called Wing Cheung that I’ve bought jade and other jewellery from. Even Markville Shopping Mall has a jade store in there - Luk Fook which has beautiful pieces but is quite expensive.
I enjoy downtown Toronto as well and there is a Chinatown but the shops there seems more dated. Have fun exploring the city and post pics if you get anything:)
 
CR, if you add a band or two to this bangle with good chime, you may risk losing the chime. It always happens when I glue a band on my cracked bangle. If you hold your bangle real tight with fingers or your palm, that high chime will disappear when you knock it against a spoon or an agate piece.

Wonderful jade and amazing koru carving, DrBoBo! Enjoy Toronto.

Wearing jadeite for a change today. Have a great day, Jadies!View attachment 4493197 View attachment 4493200
Thanks for the heads up Vicky, that’s good to know. I never even considered that :)

Love the the translucency JB! Very pretty pieces! The pendant is lovely, I may have to try that look. I have a few larger beads that are pretty on their own. Hmmm.... :D
 
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Good Morning Jadies! I finally got this in the mail yesterday after being lost for a week or so. For some reason this is happening with my purchases for overseas. I had had to file a missing mail claim five times, so I’m ever so slightly uncomfortable about my future purchases. Anywho, my bracelet (it’s huge) :) Have a great day!
 

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Good Morning Jadies! I finally got this in the mail yesterday after being lost for a week or so. For some reason this is happening with my purchases for overseas. I had had to file a missing mail claim five times, so I’m ever so slightly uncomfortable about my future purchases. Anywho, my bracelet (it’s huge) :smile: Have a great day!
I love the two colors of nephrite combined like this, gorgeous! Whixh seller did you find your treasure at? (I am always searching for reputable online sellers, they are hard to find!)
 
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Yes Pacific Mall has some jade shops/stalls. I’ve bought from Pacific Mall. Which stall near the food court are you referring to? When you walk towards he food court, there are two stalls selling jade on the left and one on the right. There is also one near the middle section. If you get a chance, check out First Markham Place which is about 10 min away from Pacific Mall. There is a store called Wing Cheung that I’ve bought jade and other jewellery from. Even Markville Shopping Mall has a jade store in there - Luk Fook which has beautiful pieces but is quite expensive.
I enjoy downtown Toronto as well and there is a Chinatown but the shops there seems more dated. Have fun exploring the city and post pics if you get anything:smile:
The stall I liked was the one on the right, with the woman and her young boy. They were so adorable, and not pushy at all. She had some really nice pieces when I went, with interesting color and good translucency.

Thank you for all the tips! My friend is really excited to drive up again, I'll check out all the stores you listed next. Super helpful information!!!
 
Good Morning Jadies! I finally got this in the mail yesterday after being lost for a week or so. For some reason this is happening with my purchases for overseas. I had had to file a missing mail claim five times, so I’m ever so slightly uncomfortable about my future purchases. Anywho, my bracelet (it’s huge) :smile: Have a great day!
CR, the light and dark jade is such a nice contrast. Glad it found you finally. So frustrating to lose packages in the mail!
 
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