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What Are The Characteristics of Jade?

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For jadeite, the intensity of the green color, combined with a high degree of translucency are the key factors in judging value. Stones that are too dark in color or not so translucent are less highly valued. Ideally, color should be completely even to the unaided eye, without spotting or veins. In lower qualities, fine root- or vein-like structures that contrast with the body color of the stone may be considered attractive. However, dull veins or roots are less desirable. Any form of mottling, dark irregular specks, or blotches that detract from the overall appearance of the stone will reduce the value.

Translucency is another important factor in evaluating quality. The best jadeite is semi-transparent; opaque jadeite or material with cloudy patches typically has the least value. Even if the overall color is uneven or low in saturation, jadeite can still be quite valuable if it has good transparency.
In jadeite, texture is intimately related to transparency. Typically, the finer the texture, the higher the transparency. Further, the evenness of the transparency depends on the consistency of the grain size.

In terms of clarity, fine jadeite should be free from noticeable or distracting inclusion defects. This refers to imperfections that impair the passage of light. The finest jadeite has no inclusions or other clarity defects that are visible to the naked eye. Typical imperfections are mineral inclusions, which usually are black, dark green, or brown, but may be other colors. Black spots easily visible to the eye are a particular problem because the Chinese associate them with bad luck. White spots also are common, as are other intergrown minerals. The most severe clarity defects in jadeite are fractures (healed or unhealed), which can have an enormous impact on value because jadeite symbolizes durability and perfection. Virtually all jadeite has feathers that are visible under magnification.

Fine jadeites are usually cut as cabochons. Material used for cabochons is generally of higher quality than that used for carvings, although there are exceptions. With cabochons, the key factors in evaluating cut are the contour of the dome, the symmetry and proportions of the cabochon, and its thickness. Cabochon domes should be smoothly curved, not too high or too flat, and should have no irregular flat spots. Proportions should be well balanced, not too narrow or wide, with a pleasing length-to-width ratio.

Next to certain rare colors of diamond, such as blue, pink and red, jadeite is the world’s most expensive gem, with prices above even ruby and sapphire. Out of the top ten most expensive jewels sold worldwide by Christie’s in 1999, five out of ten were jadeite, including three of the top four. These auctions clearly show that jadeite is among the most valuable of all gemstones. The most valuable jadeites are those of high translucency and rich Cr-green color

Traditionally, when fine jadeite cabochons are mounted in jewelry, they are backed by metal. The metal acts as a foilback of sorts, increasing light return from the stone. Often, a silver-colored plating is added to the inside of this backing to further increase reflection. The metal generally contains a small hole in the center, so one can shine a penlight through the stone to examine the interior, or probe the back with a toothpick to determine the contours of the cabochon base. When this hole is not present, one needs to take extra care, as the metal may be hiding some defect or deception.

Resources:

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