Jadeite

Jadeite is the rarer of the two jades, and it is judged on colour, translucency and treatment. The pendants here are natural, untreated Type A jadeite, hand-carved: a laughing Buddha in pale icy green, a vivid green disc, and a translucent leaf with floating green. Type A means the stone is natural and has not been treated. The Emerald Mist bangle is icy jadeite (Bingzhong), translucent white with mossy green patterns. Icy describes a high translucency. The collection also holds two bracelets and a 24 inch necklace in natural African Jade, in 12mm, 10mm and 6mm beads; they are sold under that name and are not described as jadeite. Orders over $500 require a signature on delivery.

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Material

Jadeite

Jadeite is the second jade mineral, harder and more glassy than nephrite, and the one that carries the vivid greens. GrainMoon's jadeite pendants are described in the source as natural, untreated Type A. Three pendant descriptions name a Burmese source; the bangle and one other piece name no source.

How to judge quality

By colour, translucency and treatment. Type A means natural and untreated; Type B and C jadeite have been bleached, resin-filled or dyed, and are worth far less. Translucency ranges from opaque to "icy", where light passes through the stone and gives it depth. Texture should be fine enough that no grain shows under the polish.

Care

The same as nephrite: a soft dry cloth, no ultrasonic cleaner, no heat, no bleach. Jadeite is hard but brittle; a bangle breaks when it is knocked against a basin or a door frame, so take it off before housework. Store it apart from harder stones.

Tradition

Jade in either form is traditionally linked with protection and calm. The laughing Buddha is a traditional figure of contentment; the leaf is traditionally read as growth. Tradition, not a promised outcome.

Questions

What does Type A mean?

That the stone is natural jadeite with no bleaching, resin filling or dye. It is the description used in our source data for these pendants.

Is "icy" a grade?

No. It describes translucency: light passes through the stone rather than stopping at the surface.

Is jadeite more valuable than nephrite?

Fine jadeite generally reaches higher prices, but both minerals cover a wide range. Colour, translucency and workmanship decide the price of a given piece.

Do you supply a certificate?

Only where our data holds one. If the product page shows no certificate field, we hold no certificate for that piece.

Can a bangle be resized?

No. A jadeite bangle is cut from one piece of stone and cannot be resized. Measure the widest part of your hand before choosing.