Jade & Gem Education
Learn how to evaluate jade quality, understand gemstone grading, and make confident purchasing decisions.
The most valued jadeite is semi-transparent, allowing light to penetrate and create an inner glow.
Jadeite comes in green, lavender, red, yellow, white, and even blue — each with unique value drivers.
Natural jadeite has a specific gravity of 3.30–3.36. This can help distinguish it from imitations.
Always request a Type A certificate from GIA or a recognized gemological laboratory.
In-depth articles curated by our gemologists.
Type A jadeite is completely natural, meaning it has not been chemically treated in any way. It may be polished with a thin coat of beeswax — a traditional practice — but no polymers, dyes, or bleaching agents have been used. This is the only grade we carry at PLC Jade & Gems.
Type B jadeite has been bleached with acid to remove impurities and then impregnated with polymer resin to improve translucency. While it may look beautiful initially, the resin breaks down over time, causing discoloration and loss of luster.
Type C jadeite has been dyed to enhance or completely alter its color. It offers no investment value and the color will fade over time. Always request certification to avoid purchasing dyed jade.
Always request a GIA or reputable lab report. Genuine Type A jadeite can be identified by its natural inclusions, cold-to-the-touch feel, and consistent grain structure. We provide GIA certification with every jade piece.
For colored gemstones, color accounts for up to 70% of a stone's value. The ideal color is vivid and saturated, with even distribution throughout the stone. For rubies, 'pigeon blood red' is the most coveted; for emeralds, it's 'vivid green'; for sapphires, 'cornflower blue'.
Unlike diamonds, most colored gemstones naturally contain inclusions. The key is whether inclusions are eye-visible and whether they affect the stone's durability. Emeralds typically have more inclusions (called 'jardin'), while sapphires tend to be cleaner.
A well-cut gemstone maximizes the stone's color and luster. Unlike diamonds, there are no standardized cut grades for colored stones. Our gemologists evaluate each stone's proportions, symmetry, and windowing (light leakage) to ensure optimal beauty.
Carat weight measures a gemstone's mass, not its visual size. Different gem species have different densities — a 1-carat ruby will appear smaller than a 1-carat emerald. High-quality stones over 2 carats are exponentially rarer and more valuable.
Jadeite is remarkably durable with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7. Jade bangles can be worn daily, but avoid knocking them against hard surfaces. The natural oils from your skin can actually enhance a jade bangle's luster over time — a phenomenon the Chinese call 'raising jade'.
Clean your jade with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, or steam cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and gently pat dry. Never soak jade bangles for extended periods.
Store jade pieces separately in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching against harder materials. Keep away from extreme heat and direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause dehydration and affect translucency.
We recommend having your jade inspected and re-polished by a professional every 2-3 years. This maintains the stone's beautiful luster and allows an expert to check for any micro-fractures that could develop over time.
Apply your knowledge to discover exceptional pieces from our curated collection.