The JADE thread!
- Thread starter mistikat
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Here's another pic of my monkey pendant! low lighting conditions, sorry!
Here's another pic of my monkey pendant! low lighting conditions, sorry!
That monkey is just too cute!!! Looks like it is perched on a giant ruyi~~ thats adorable hahaha!
Wow I haven't been logged on in a while and have so much catching up to do. But I had a general question for you jadies: what is a reasonable amount I should expect to spend on a jade bangle? I was recently in Hong Kong with my in laws and decided to check out some bangles at the big chains like Luk Fook and the starting range was about $10k usd. I'm no expert and didn't feel a strong connection with any particular piece so didn't feel comfortable spending that amount of money even at a reputable seller.
Hi dster1! "Reasonable amount" really depends on what quality of jade you are looking for. I've paid as little as $18 usd (that's bangle +shipping) and up to mid-$2k usd and I've been satisfied at both ends of the spectrum. Would I spend more? lol I probably would if I could and if I had a connection to the jade. I think it's important to really love and want to wear the jewelry when any larger amounts of money are spent.
Can you find pics of the quality type you are considering? Some jadies here might be able to comment about comparison shopping.
Hi dster1! I absolutely agree with JKP, as in my humble opinion "reasonable amount" to spend on a jade bangle is relative to everyone's own budget and perceived value against cost, and most importantly how each piece of jade makes you feel [emoji5] i would absolutely love to spend $10k on jade but thats just way out of my purchasing power [emoji14][emoji14]
Given, there are different qualities and factors to consider when evaluating the market value of each bangle depending on colour, texture, translucency, etc but to me the important thing is to get the piece which i personally love and perceive to be the best value for money and within my means.
Luk Fook definitely instills confidence when buying quality jade in HK and you can expect to pay for the service and everything else that comes from shopping at a higher-end jewellery retailer [emoji51]
I'm sure the other more experienced Jadies can share their opinions and knowledge as I've also learned so much from all of them in the past month, i may not be much help since im new but would surely love to see some pics of the jade bangle(s) that you're considering to purchase!
Thank you both for the gut check! I've been eyeing some pieces from ultimate jadeite but would really love to see and feel them in person. I'm located in NYC but don't know of any reputable sellers aside from the high end retailers.
Apologies for spamming the thread but as promised, here are a few shots of the bangle and pendant that I terrorized my piggy bank this month for:
Its my first princess cut bangle and i absolutely love it [emoji16] Which side of the bangle do you Jadies prefer? The more spaced out green patches (first pic below) or the side where they seem to swirl around (second pic)? I can't seem to make up my mind on which side i would like to look at daily, and i can't keep switching sides as it hurts quite badly to put on due to a smaller-than-usual diameter [emoji26]
Its my first princess cut bangle and i absolutely love it [emoji16] Which side of the bangle do you Jadies prefer? The more spaced out green patches (first pic below) or the side where they seem to swirl around (second pic)? I can't seem to make up my mind on which side i would like to look at daily, and i can't keep switching sides as it hurts quite badly to put on due to a smaller-than-usual diameter [emoji26]
I love your bangle!! Would you mind sharing the seller? Personally, I like the softer swirly side more. It I can definitely see why you're having a hard time deciding. My first bangle was a princess but now I'm thinking I might want a D shaped for more frequent wear. Did you get a small diameter for your princess?
The price of jade really depends on the piece but in general, I wouldn't recommend buying jade from large chains such as Luk Fook/Chow Sang Sang/Chow Tai Fook as the markup on jade is immense. IMO these jewellers are best for buying 24 carat gold pieces, since you know that they're selling the real deal. Your best bet is probably to ask a jade savvy friend to take you around the jade market (assuming there is one) so you can get a better idea of what's on offer, and the variety of jade avaiable at various price points.
Your new pieces look great! Such vibrant green on both your pendant and bangle. As for which side... I like the softer swirly side more
I'm sure you will enjoy wearing your new bangle because as it spins throughout the day you will see the pretty swirls of green as well as a calm side of icy white Thank you dster1 - I got it from an offline seller locally actually, and she does not do international online selling [emoji28] i didnt specifically get a smaller diameter, just so happened that this was shown to me and i knew i had to get it even if it was a couple of mm smaller - managed to fit it in but its not gonna come off easily!
Did you manage to get pics of any bangles you are keen on in HK?
Your new pieces look great! Such vibrant green on both your pendant and bangle. As for which side... I like the softer swirly side more
Thanks jademommy! Its the green that broke the bank.. hahaha... Im also leaning towards the swirly side as i do like looking at evenly spaced-out things (OCD..? Lol), will try both sides and see how it works [emoji4]
*picking my jaw up off the floor* Those are amazing! That green/white on your bangle is my FAVE combo, especially in a princess. I'm so envious! Seriously... that is what I wanted Smoke to look more like. What size bangle is it? That pendant is a lovely carving, too. I love small carved bits.
Hi Storm Spirit! It makes me really happy when I see you posting in the thread, I always learn so much when you stop in!
Aww, thank you Jukenpo, you're too kind!
I do hop in from time to time, but I've been feeling somewhat deflated after trying for years (and failing) to find a lavender princess, and as a result have somewhat lost interest in jade. I'm still keeping my eye out for one, just not actively searching - it's very unlikely to happen unless I visit China myself, and I haven't had the opportunity to go yet.*picking my jaw up off the floor* Those are amazing! That green/white on your bangle is my FAVE combo, especially in a princess. I'm so envious! Seriously... that is what I wanted Smoke to look more like. What size bangle is it? That pendant is a lovely carving, too. I love small carved bits.
Thanks JKP! D shapes feel slightly more comfortable to wear but i must agree that i prefer the look of princess bangles too [emoji4] this one is slightly icy but nowhere as translucent as Smoke though! I was sold on the bright green and love how the white isn't greyish-toned. Its around 57mm i think, managed to get it on but im dreading trying to remove it as its definitely going to hurt quite a fair bit even with oil/soap [emoji28]
The pendant is quite nicely carved on both sides, this is the other side of it:
