A Beginner's Guide to Jade - What is Jade/Jadeite?

What is Jade/Jadeite?

Jade is an umbrella term commonly used to describe two different gemstones: jadeite and nephrite. While both are considered “jade” each has unique characteristics in terms of colour, composition, and origin.

1. Nephrite (軟玉 "Soft jade")

Nephrite is one of the oldest forms of jade and has been used in Chinese culture for thousands of years. This stone is primarily found in China, New Zealand, Canada, and Russia. It’s softer than jadeite, with a smooth, waxy texture.

In Chinese culture, nephrite has deep roots and is often called “Hetian jade (和田玉)” when sourced from the Hetian region in Xinjiang, China. It’s used in traditional carvings, jewellery, and ceremonial items. Nephrite jade has been symbolically linked to purity, resilience, and harmony.

2. Jadeite (翡翠 - 硬玉 "Hard jade")

Jadeite is primarily found in Myanmar (Burma), and it rose to popularity in China during the Qing dynasty. 

Jadeite is rarer and considered more valuable than nephrite. It is harder, more translucent and comes in a broader range of colours. The bright emerald-green jadeite, known as Imperial Jadeite, is the most prized variety.

Its colours, translucency and durability make jadeite particularly desirable in jewellery, from bangles to intricate carvings.

To give you an idea - an imperial Green Jadeite bangle was sold at a Hong Kong Auction in April 2023 for $6,000,000 HKD (approx. $1.2M AUD).

Durability

Both jadeite and nephrite are individual metamorphic rocks made up of tiny, tightly interlocking mineral crystals. Jadeite is the harder of the two since its interlocked crystalline structure is denser, resulting in superior durability, exceptionally tough and resistant to chipping and breaking.

Fun fact: Given its durability and cultural significance, did you know that it is common in the Chinese culture to pass your jadeite jewellery down through generations as a family heirloom?

Colours

Nephrite is usually found in shades of creamy white to various shades of green, brown, and even black. Its colour is mostly pale and opaque, and not as vibrant and lustre-like compared to jadeite.

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Jadeite on the contrary is often more translucent and glassy than nephrite, with a brighter and more reflective surface. Apart from emerald-green that many people associate jade with, it also comes in other colours such as different shades of white, greens/blue, yellow/brown, purple and black. 

A combination of excellent durability and vibrant colours makes jadeite the ideal gemstone to carve or fashion into jewellery pieces.

History of Jade

Jade has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It has been used for a variety of purposes, from tools and weapons to decorative objects and jewellery.

In ancient China, jade was considered the "Imperial Gem" and was used to make ceremonial objects, including the Emperor's seal. Jade is also steeped in symbolism. It is often associated with prosperity, strength, longevity, healing, protection and purity.

In Chinese culture, jade is believed to have protective powers and is often given as a gift to wish someone safety, good luck and prosperity.

What are the different grades of jadeite?

Grade A Jadeite – Natural Form Grade A jadeite is the most valuable and sought-after grade of jadeite. It is in its natural form and has not undergone any chemical treatment. 

This is the ONLY type of jade we use at Jayde.

Note that Grade A jadeite can be coated with colorless wax during the polishing process to enhance its appearance, without damaging the crystal structure of the stone. 

Grade B Jadeite – Chemically Treated and Resin Infused

Grade B jadeite is chemically treated to remove impurities and is infused with polymer resin in a vacuum chamber. This process can produce a smooth and lustrous appearance but can cause the jadeite to deteriorate over time, particularly when exposed to heat and sunlight. Type B jadeite is less valuable than Grade A.

Grade C Jadeite – Chemically Treated, Polymer Resin Infused and Colour Dyed

Grade C jadeite has undergone the same treatments as Grade B but with the addition of dyed colouring to the polymer resin. It is not natural looking nor valuable but is unfortunately being sold as natural jade by a lot of jewellery stores. Tip: ask for your jewellery store for a certification/where they source their jadeite stones. If they're unable to provide you a way to get the stone lab certified or the source, it's likely that it might not be Grade A jadeite.

Quality of our Jadeite Jewellery

At Jayde, we only use Grade A Jadeite so you can be sure you're wearing the finest quality of jewellery.

If you require this service or have any questions, send us an email at info@jayde-jewellery.com.