Silver Jade

Silver Jade

Collecting Asian Art: Jade

Jade is one of the most-loved collectibles. Its origins are ancient, its properties both medicinal and decorative. Though revered around the world, jade is most commonly associated with China, where it has been known for 8,000 years. The early Chinese called it yu and saw it as a “living stone,” radiating with an inner glow.

       

Often ground, mixed with wine and fed to the emperors, jade was believed to increase imperial longevity. Symbolically, a court gentleman, on reaching 80, was allowed to carry a jade pigeon on a pole. Concubines received jade scepters from their emperors. Mandarin hats had carved small finials on their tops and a jade plume holder in the back. Chinese women decorated their hair with jade. Han dynasty princes and princesses were sometimes buried in suits of jade, a notable feat accomplished by stitching together bits of jade with threads of silver or gold.    

 

Around the turn of the 20th century, we start to see large, fancy and

colorful carvings made for Western consumption.  Table-top and decorative items produced between 1880 and 1900 were often embellished with silver or gold, even enamel. In the second half of the 20th century, traditional styles began to give way to an elaborate new standard.

 

There are two kinds of jade: hard and soft. Ancient jade and hard jade are often referred to as jadeite. Though found in a variety of colors, the most valuable is green. The most valuable green is a near emerald green called Imperial Jade or gem-jade. Other colors, such as yellow jade, have their place in the pantheon of Chinese carvings too. Soft jade is called nephrite. Its coloration ranges from slightly off-white to yellowish white or greenish white. The latter is often referred to as celadon jade.

 

When you see the word jade modified by an adjective?such as serpentine jade, mountain jade, new jade?watch out. These names are often given to pseudo jades. The quality of your collection depends on knowing how to differentiate the real jades from the imposters.  (You will find an entire chapter on fake jades in my book, Collecting Asian Art.)

       

Since jade is an ancient stone, it is useless to try to quantify it by date. Other criteria must be used, and one way is to know the forms that were popular during the different periods. New, machine- made copies of older designs differ from the originals in subtle ways. The most prominent is that new carvings rarely have the same aesthetic relationship to the stone as older ones.

       

To value a jade carving, you must first determine whether it is modern or pre-World War II. If the jade you are viewing has a high sheen, you will do well to err on the side of caution. 

       

The next step is to figure out if the raw material is actually jade or a fake jade. Real jade tends to feel little bit colder than pseudo jade, so give it the touch test.  Next, use a jeweler’s loupe to look for inclusions. There should not be any.  Nowadays, carvers work around black spots and trapped crystalline formations, using holes and other tricks to hide impurities.

 

Finally, determine if the stone has been dyed. Again, get out your loupe. If you see that the color is located only in the fissures, you can safely say the stone has been artificially colored. If you do this and are still not sure, there are tests you can be done at home or in a lab.

 

To begin your comparison of jade carvings, look at the catalog for our upcoming International and Fine Arts Auction, or any of our past sales. We regularly vet and feature collections of fine jade carvings.

About the Author

Two years after he started selling Chinese antiques from his living room in 1967, Isadore Chait opened his first gallery of Asian Art. Isadore Chait is also a Member of the Appraisers Association of America, having served as a panel member regarding fakes and forgeries in Asian art and also as a consultant specializing in Asian Art. He is also the President of the Appraisers Association of America. You can read more about Isadore Chait at Chait.com

JADE SILVER MARBLE BEAD NECKLACE EARRING SET $13.99 JADE SILVER MARBLE BEAD NECKLACE EARRING SET

Multicolored Jade Ring In Sterling Silver $75 Sterling silver statement ring inset with red, yellow, purple and green jade. Sterling silver ring.

Jade and Diamond Ring In Sterling Silver $251.25 Accessorize with a riotous display of color: a bold, green oval jade is beautifully framed with diamond accents. Polished sterling silver ring.

Sterling Silver Honey Jade Ring $49.98 One perfect teardrop of genuine honey jade is set with side swirls of sterling silver to craft this graceful ring.

Lavender Jade Anklet in Sterling Silver $59 Sterling silver beaded Lavender Jade ankle bracelet. (268FD05B-L) 9" 59 6mm round Lavender Jade beads Weighs approx 4.8 grams Spring ring clasp on a cable link chain Comes in a nice gift box Also available in green jade, please specify

Green Jade Anklet in Sterling Silver $59 Sterling silver and Green Jade ankle bracelet. (268FD05B-G) 9" 59 6mm round Green Jade beads Weighs approx 5 grams Spring ring clasp on a cable chain link Comes in a nice gift box Also available in Lavender Jade, please specify

Lavender Jade Sterling Silver Bangle $89 Sterling silver Lavender Jade hinged bangle bracelet. (354FD21B-Lav) 7" 89. There are 4 pieces of Jade measuring 32x7mm Weighs approx 18.3 grams Measures just over 1/4" wide Tongue and lock clasp with safety chain Also available in Green Jade, please specify Comes in a nice gift box

Jade Sterling Silver Necklace $25 ITEM INFORMATION: Product Type: Necklace, Condition: Brand New, Material: Sterling Silver, Color: Silver, Quality: 925, Total Item Weight: 3.7G , Necklace Lock: Spring Ring, Pendant Length: 34Mm , Pendant Width: 23Mm , GEMSTONE INFO: Gemstone: Jade, Quantity: 1, Shape: Fancy, Color: Red, OTHER INFORMATION: Total Item Length: 18 Inch, Gender: Ladies, Brand: Vivid Gemz Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Material: Sterling Silver Stone: Jade Number of Stones: 1 Gender: Women

Jade Sterling Silver Bracelet $55 ITEM INFORMATION: Product Type: Bracelet, Condition: Brand New, Material: Sterling Silver, Color: Two Tone, Quality: 925, Total Item Weight: 15.0G , Bracelet Lock: Lobster Claw, GEMSTONE INFO: Gemstone: Jade, Quantity: 7, Dimensions: 6X6 - 7X7, Shape: Checkerboard, Color: Violet, GEMSTONE INFO: Gemstone: Marcasite, Quantity: 36, Shape: Fancy, Color: Metallic, OTHER INFORMATION: Width: 18Mm , Total Item Length: 7.5 Inch, Height: 7Mm , Gender: Ladies, Brand: Vivid Gemz Size/Dimensions: 7.5 in Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Material: Sterling Silver Stone: Jade Number of Stones: 1 Gender: Women

Jade Bead Necklace In Sterling Silver $45 Warm earth tones give this jade bead necklace a neat, natural vibe, with hues ranging from rich reds to swirling tans. And you're sure to have plenty of outfits that will match! Jade necklace with sterling silver spacers and ball clasp.

Green Jade and Sterling Silver Pendant $34.95 Graceful genuine green jade jewelry is handcrafted of sterling silver. French-wire Earrings: 3/4"L. Pendant: 1"L; 16" sterling silver chain. Gift boxed.

Jade Bracelet $149.99 Inspired by timeless oriental designs, links of jade, interspersed with sparkling peridot accents, create a bracelet that's all about femininity. 1.75 carats T.W. 8" length. 18k gold over sterling silver. Express delivery not available. Shipped directly from the manufacturer; please allow additional shipping time.

Sterling Silver Jade Interchangeable Necklace $41.54 Simple yet modern style updates your jewelry collectionPendant set comes with interchangeable genuine purple jade, pink jade, light blue jade and green jade circle pendantsInterchangeable pendants made of genuine jade stonesSterling silver coated with anti-tarnishPendant measures 32 mm high x 25 mm wide18-inch sterling silver chainSecures with spring ring claspShips in black leatherette boxAll carat weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed dimensions. Treatment code TC. See Gemstone Treatments for further information.

Jade Disc Pendant $120 Jade slide disc pendant approximately 2" in diameter with gold coated sterling silver on 18" chain.

Green Jade Earrings In Sterling Silver $112.5 These beautiful green jade earrings bring a hint of the exotic to your look, and add a sense of vivid color! We love the multi-shaped design of their styling. Clip/post sterling silver earrings.

Hearts on Jade and Chalcedony $187.5 The Hearts on Jade and Chalcedony features sterling silver charms with Jade, known to find love and protect all who wear it, and Chalcedony, symbol of good will. Stretch comfortable band to fit all sizes.

Green Jade Oval Earrings In Sterling Silver $75 These pretty green jade earrings are polished to a high gloss for a kicky swingy look! Post, sterling silver earrings.

Purple Jade Earrings $39.95 In Mayan culture, jade possessed powers of magic. Here, shards of genuine purple jade exert their power in settings of marcasite-accented sterling silver. French hooks. 2" long.

Sterling Silver Green Jade Rosary $168.99 Sterling Silver Green Jade Rosary. This Beautiful Piece Of Jewelry Weighs Approximately 34.59 Grams. Brand: CleverEve Design: Themed Occasion: Christmas & Hanukkah Resizable: No Adjustable: No Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Gift Box: Gift Box Material: Silver

Sterling Silver Lavender Jade Rosary $211.99 Sterling Silver Lavender Jade Rosary. This Beautiful Piece Of Jewelry Weighs Approximately 34.59 Grams. Brand: CleverEve Design: Themed Occasion: Christmas & Hanukkah Resizable: No Adjustable: No Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Gift Box: Gift Box Material: Silver

Sterling Silver Yellow Jade Rosary $217.99 Sterling Silver Yellow Jade Rosary. This Beautiful Piece Of Jewelry Weighs Approximately 34.59 Grams. Brand: CleverEve Design: Themed Occasion: Christmas & Hanukkah Resizable: No Adjustable: No Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Gift Box: Gift Box Material: Silver

Green Jade Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver $89 Sterling silver hinged Green Jade bangle. (354FD21B-Green) 7" 89. There are 4 pieces of Green Jade measuring 32x7mm each Weighs approx 18.3 grams Measures just over 1/4" wide Tongue and lock clasp with safety chain Also available in Lavender Jade, please specify Comes in a nice gift box

Stunning! Sterling Silver Lavender Jade Blessing Pendant $19.99 In China Jade has been a symbol of love and virtue for thousands of years A Stunning Piece with a Beautiful Message A Geniune Lavender Jade Pendant has ' Blessing ' written on it in Chinese Letters. Due to the uniqueness of Jade Lavender shades may vary Brand: SilverSpeck Size/Dimensions: 0 Metal Stamp: 925-sterling Material: Sterling Silver

Jade $10 Jade - Cutie

Jade Sterling Silver Cross Necklace $25 ITEM INFORMATION: Product Type: Necklace, Condition: Brand New, Material: Sterling Silver, Color: Silver, Quality: 925, Total Item Weight: 3.8G , Necklace Lock: Spring Ring, Pendant Length: 40Mm , Pendant Width: 22Mm , GEMSTONE INFO: Gemstone: Jade, Quantity: 1, Shape: Fancy, Color: Green, OTHER INFORMATION: Total Item Length: 18 Inch, Style: Cross, Gender: Ladies, Brand: Vivid Gemz Metal Stamp: .925 Sterling Silver Material: Sterling Silver Stone: Jade Number of Stones: 1 Gender: Women

Sterling Silver and Lavender Jade 'Blessing' Dangle Earrings $19.99 This is a pair of Beautiful Sterling Silver and genuine lavender jade dangle earrings.The Chinese symbol 'Blessing' is in a circle with an lavender jade tube and sterling silver end caps. A Classical piece with a modern twist. Brand: SilverSpeck Material: Sterling Silver Age: Adult Condition: New

EXP® Jade Lariat & Silver Necklace $10.99 Exude sensual elegance when you wear this stunning gemstone necklace. Silver and jade combine to form this elegant three-strand creation. Expertly handcrafted by EXP® Jewelry artisans in the Golden Triangle region of northern Thailand, this feminine 22-inch necklace features three delicate strands of (2.5mm-diameter) green jade beads with accents of brown and white jade. The strands converge to a central focal point, where a diamond-shaped, silver-tone accent piece is suspended above a 4-inch, six-strand jade bead tassel. The necklace is finished with a silver S-hook clasp. Expand your worldview and your jewelry collection when you shop with EXP® Jewelry. Your purchase not only helps to sustain the talented individuals creating these unique pieces, but also helps to preserve the artisan traditions of northern Thailand. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in color and sizing. Subtle shade variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual ite Brand: EXP Design: Gemstone Material: Steel Stone: Jade Color: Green Gender: Female Age: Adult Condition: New

Jade Gold Plated Silver Necklace $45 ITEM INFORMATION: Product Type: Necklace, Condition: Brand New, Material: Gold Plated Silver, Color: Yellow, Quality: 14K/925, Total Item Weight: 13.9G , Necklace Lock: Spring Ring, GEMSTONE INFO: Gemstone: Jade, Quantity: 20, Dimensions: 10X4, Shape: Barrel, Color: Red, OTHER INFORMATION: Width: 4Mm , Total Item Length: 17.5 Inch, Height: 4Mm , Gender: Ladies, Brand: Vivid Gemz Material: Gold Plated Stone: Jade Number of Stones: 1 Gender: Female