How to Distinguish A Good Burmese Jade
What is jade? Jade or ‘you’ in China is simply two different but similar minerals: the jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is a form of microcrystalline interlocking crystal matrix of sodium and aluminum-rich pyroxene. Nephrite is consists of mostly calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole. Both are tough metamorphic rock yet jadeite is tougher than nephrite. However, only jadeite has of value as gem material. Burmese jade on the other hand is from Burma thus name. It has the finest quality jade.
When you talk about jade absolutely you will think it is green. You will definitely believe everything that is green is considered as jade. Certainly part of it is true. Jade usually is green but it has a variety of colors as well. We have blue, black, violet, white, yellow and reddish and brownish variety. Each of the variety offers different uses.
Burmese jade is a fascinating gemstone. In Asia it is rather collected as antique and in the west; it is purchased in the form of boxes, rings, bowls or even cigarette holders. It is a valuable precious stone especially in the recent times where modern style is incorporated in jewelry making.
The value of jade is determined according to its color, translucency, texture, clarity and cut. The intensity of the color plus the translucency of the jade are key factors in judging its value. Therefore, a jade jewelry with some imperfections is considered as of low value. The preference of colors differs greatly from region to region. The most vivid color of green and it appears to be in a crystalline form is of the highest value.
It is said that Europeans and Americans favored emerald green, apple green and spinach green with a high value. As for Chinese and other Asian, white or with a mixture of yellowish or pinkish undertone is counted having a much higher value or worth. The emerald green of the imperial jade is considered as the most expensive of all the jade colors. Lavender jade is highly esteemed with jewelers.
The best jades are semi-transparent and have a finer texture. Jades that are opaque or cloudy in appearance are of low value. As for clarity it should be free from any noticeable imperfections. It must be free from any mineral inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. The finest quality jade is cut as cabochons- a convex style of cutting gems. It is usually use for rounded rings and pendants. The cut should be smooth, regular in shape and size. Jadeite is considered as the most expensive gemstone next to diamonds.
Unfortunately there are plenty of fake jades or poor quality jades in the market today. Some even treated. Make use of the facts that you learn from this article. Beware for some will take advantage of you. The next thing you know, you got yourself a faux jade. So for us to purchased jades whether as a collection or a piece of jewelry, it is advisable to buy good jades only from reputable dealers or jewelers.
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