Question 1

What is the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C jadeite?

Accepted Answer

Type A jadeite is 100% natural and untreated — only waxed on the surface for polish. It is the highest quality and most valuable. Type B jadeite has been bleached with acid to remove impurities, then impregnated with polymer resin to improve transparency. This treatment degrades over time, causing the stone to yellow and crack. Type C jadeite has been artificially dyed to enhance or change its color. Type B+C combines both bleaching and dyeing. Only Type A jadeite retains its value as a collectible or investment piece. All jadeite sold by Myanmar Jadeite is certified Type A.

Question 2

How can I tell if jadeite is real or fake?

Accepted Answer

The most reliable method is laboratory testing using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), which detects polymer impregnation in Type B jadeite. Visually, genuine Type A jadeite has a characteristic 'orange peel' surface texture under magnification, natural color distribution that follows the crystal structure, and a cool, dense feel. Fake jadeite (often glass, serpentine, or dyed quartzite) lacks these features. Always request a certificate from a recognized gemological laboratory such as GIA, GIT, or GGTL.

Question 3

What does '种水' (zhǒng shuǐ) mean in jadeite grading?

Accepted Answer

种水 refers to the combined quality of a jadeite's texture (种/zhǒng) and transparency (水/shuǐ). 种 describes the crystal grain size and interlocking structure — finer grain means higher quality. 水 describes how light passes through the stone — from completely opaque to near-transparent. The highest grade is 玻璃种 (glass type), which is nearly transparent with a vitreous luster. Below that are 冰种 (ice type), 糯种 (glutinous type), 豆种 (bean type), and 干青 (dry green). A stone's 种水 is the single most important factor in determining its value.

Question 4

What is Imperial Green jadeite and why is it so valuable?

Accepted Answer

Imperial Green (帝王绿) is the most prized color in jadeite — a vivid, even, semi-transparent emerald green caused by trace amounts of chromium. It must combine three qualities simultaneously: the right hue (pure green, no yellow or grey), high saturation, and high transparency (冰种 or 玻璃种 level). Stones meeting all three criteria are extremely rare. Imperial Green jadeite bangles from Hpakant have sold at auction for millions of USD per piece, making them among the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Question 5

What is 'old mine' (老坑) jadeite and is it better than 'new mine' (新坑)?

Accepted Answer

Old mine (老坑) jadeite refers to material extracted from deeper, older geological formations in Hpakant. It typically has finer crystal structure, higher transparency, and more stable color compared to new mine (新坑) material from shallower deposits. Old mine jadeite commands a 3–10× price premium. However, the terms are sometimes used loosely in the market — always rely on gemological testing rather than seller claims alone.

Question 6

What are the main jadeite colors and their relative values?

Accepted Answer

From highest to lowest value: Imperial Green (帝王绿) > Lavender (紫罗兰) > Icy White (冰白) > Yellow/Russet (黄翡) > Black (墨翠) > Moss-in-Snow (飘绿花). Color value depends on three factors: hue (the actual color), saturation (intensity), and tone (lightness/darkness). Even within the same color, transparency (种水) dramatically affects price — an icy lavender piece can be worth 100× more than an opaque lavender piece.

Question 7

Which jadeite certificates are internationally recognized?

Accepted Answer

The most widely recognized certificates are: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) — the global gold standard, accepted everywhere; GIT (Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Bangkok) — the most trusted certificate in Southeast Asia and China; GGTL (Gübelin Gem Lab, Switzerland) — premium European certification; GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) — highly respected for colored stones. All four labs use FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm Type A status. Myanmar Jadeite accepts and recommends all four.

Question 8

How do I verify if a jadeite certificate is genuine?

Accepted Answer

Each major lab provides an online verification system: GIA certificates can be verified at gia.edu/report-check. GIT certificates can be verified at git.or.th. GGTL certificates include a QR code linking to their online database. Always verify the certificate number directly on the issuing lab's website. Check that the stone's weight, dimensions, and identifying features match the certificate exactly. Be cautious of certificates from unknown labs — some are issued without proper testing.

Question 9

Can I get a certificate for jadeite I already own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can submit any jadeite piece directly to GIA, GIT, GGTL, or GRS for testing and certification. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks and costs USD 50–200 depending on the stone size and lab. Myanmar Jadeite can assist customers in submitting pieces to GIT in Bangkok, which is the most convenient option for buyers in Southeast Asia.

Question 10

Is jadeite a good investment?

Accepted Answer

High-quality Type A jadeite — particularly Imperial Green and high-transparency pieces — has historically outperformed gold over 20-year periods. The key factors are: rarity (Hpakant is the world's only commercial jadeite source), cultural demand (Chinese collectors drive 90%+ of the market), and scarcity (the best mines are increasingly depleted). Investment-grade jadeite requires: Type A certification, high 种水 (transparency), desirable color, and documentation of provenance. Decorative-grade pieces without these qualities do not appreciate reliably.

Question 11

What price range should I expect for quality jadeite?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary enormously based on quality. Entry-level Type A jadeite pendants: USD 200–2,000. Mid-range icy-type bangles: USD 2,000–20,000. High-quality Imperial Green pendants: USD 10,000–100,000+. Collector-grade Imperial Green bangles: USD 100,000–millions. The most important rule: never buy jadeite without a certificate from a recognized lab, regardless of price. Uncertified pieces, even from reputable-looking sources, carry significant risk.

Question 12

How does Myanmar Jadeite source its pieces?

Accepted Answer

Myanmar Jadeite is based in Mandalay with direct access to the Hpakant mining region in Kachin State — the world's only commercial jadeite source. Our team attends the Hpakant rough stone auctions and works directly with licensed mining operators. This eliminates multiple layers of middlemen, ensuring authenticity and competitive pricing. We offer a Mandalay Private Jade Sourcing Tour for serious buyers who wish to witness the sourcing process firsthand.

Question 13

Do you offer a Mandalay Jade Sourcing Tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Mandalay Private Jade Sourcing Tour is our signature experience for serious collectors and investors. The tour includes: visits to our Mandalay showroom, meetings with local craftsmen and carvers, access to wholesale rough stone markets, and guidance on evaluating and purchasing investment-grade pieces. The tour is by appointment only. Contact us via WhatsApp at +959797377377 to arrange a visit.

Question 14

Where is jadeite mined in Myanmar?

Accepted Answer

The primary jadeite source is Hpakant (帕敢) in Kachin State, northern Myanmar — the world's only commercial jadeite mining region. Secondary deposits exist in Lonkin and Tawmaw, also in Kachin State. Myanmar produces over 90% of the world's gem-quality jadeite. The Hpakant mines have been active since the 13th century and are the source of all historically significant jadeite pieces, including those in major museum collections.

Question 15

What is the jadeite mining season in Myanmar?

Accepted Answer

The primary mining season runs from November to April (dry season), when road access to Hpakant is reliable and mining conditions are optimal. The monsoon season (May–October) limits large-scale operations. The Myanmar Gems Emporium, the government-sanctioned rough stone auction, is held in Naypyidaw and Mandalay typically in March–April, attracting buyers from China, Hong Kong, and internationally. The highest-quality rough stones are sold at these auctions.

Question 16

What is jadeite rough stone (原石) and how is it evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Jadeite rough stone (原石 or 毛料) is uncut jadeite as it comes from the mine. Evaluating rough is a specialized skill — the stone's exterior (皮壳) gives clues about the interior quality, but significant uncertainty remains until the stone is cut. Key evaluation factors: skin color and texture, specific gravity testing, UV fluorescence, and 'window' cuts (小开窗) to reveal interior color. Experienced buyers at Hpakant auctions develop intuition over decades. Myanmar Jadeite's team has 15+ years of rough stone evaluation experience.

Question 17

How should I care for jadeite jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Type A jadeite is durable (Mohs hardness 6.5–7) but requires proper care: Clean with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water — never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam, which can damage the surface wax. Store separately from harder gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies) to prevent scratching. Avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals, perfumes, and chlorine. Re-waxing by a professional every 5–10 years maintains the surface luster. Jadeite improves with regular wear — natural skin oils enhance its translucency over time.

Question 18

Why does jadeite sometimes turn yellow over time?

Accepted Answer

Genuine Type A jadeite does not turn yellow — it may develop a warm, honey-toned patina called '莹光' (yíng guāng) from natural aging and wear, which actually increases its value among collectors. If a piece turns yellow rapidly or unevenly, it is almost certainly Type B jadeite — the polymer resin used in the impregnation process oxidizes and yellows over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, heat, or chemicals. This is one of the most reliable ways to identify treated jadeite.

Question 19

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Myanmar Jadeite ships worldwide. All pieces are shipped with full insurance, professional gemstone packaging, and tracking. International shipments are accompanied by the original gemological certificate. For high-value pieces (above USD 10,000), we recommend insured courier services (DHL, FedEx) with declared value. Import duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country. Contact us via WhatsApp for a shipping quote.

Question 20

How do I purchase a piece from Myanmar Jadeite?

Accepted Answer

The simplest way is to contact us via WhatsApp (+959797377377) or through our website inquiry form. We will send you natural-light photos and videos of the piece, the gemological certificate, and a detailed description. Payment is accepted via bank transfer (SWIFT), PayPal, or cryptocurrency. For buyers in Asia, we can arrange viewing at our Mandalay showroom or at the Mandalay Jade Market. All purchases include a certificate of authenticity.

Question 21

Can I see the jadeite in person before buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome buyers to our Mandalay showroom by appointment. We also participate in select gem shows in Thailand and Hong Kong. For buyers who cannot travel, we provide comprehensive natural-light video walkthroughs via WhatsApp or video call, showing the piece from multiple angles and in different lighting conditions. Our YouTube channel (youtube.com/@myanmarjadeite) features regular live streams showcasing new inventory.

Question 22

Where can I watch Myanmar Jadeite live streams?

Accepted Answer

We broadcast live jadeite showcases on YouTube (youtube.com/@myanmarjadeite) and Facebook. Live streams typically feature new inventory arrivals, rough stone cutting demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and enable notifications to be alerted when we go live. During live streams, you can ask questions directly and request close-up views of specific pieces.

Question 23

How often do you add new inventory?

Accepted Answer

New pieces are added regularly, particularly after the Hpakant mining season (November–April) and following the Myanmar Gems Emporium auctions (typically March–April). Follow our YouTube and Facebook channels for real-time updates on new arrivals. Subscribers to our WhatsApp broadcast list receive first notification of exceptional pieces before they are listed publicly.

Question 24

Can I request a specific type of jadeite?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept custom sourcing requests for specific types, colors, sizes, and quality levels of jadeite. Common requests include: Imperial Green bangles of specific inner diameter, lavender jadeite pendants for specific settings, matched pairs for earrings, and investment-grade rough stones. Contact us via WhatsApp with your specifications and budget, and we will source options from our network at the Hpakant mines and Mandalay wholesale markets.

Jadeite FAQ

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