Jadeite: the most precious green in the world
- Cabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
A mysterious, precious, and fascinating stone, jadeite occupies a unique place in the world of gems. Much more than a simple ornament, it embodies a millennia-old connection between nature, spirituality, and human refinement . This revised guide blends tradition, culture, and knowledge derived from contemporary research.
Jadeite or jade?
What we call "jade" is actually a generic name for two very different stones:
Nephrite , older in China, often used for sculpture;
Jadeite , rarer, translucent, brilliant — used for the most precious jewelry.
The general public still confuses the two. However, jadeite is the "queen" of jade , the one that connoisseurs love, particularly in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
It was only in the 18th century, under the Qing dynasty, that jadeite arrived in China from Myanmar (formerly Burma), particularly in the Kachin region. There, it was extracted by bare hands under extreme conditions. During the imperial era, it was reserved for the elite: Empress Cixi owned a legendary collection.
Chinese merchants immediately attributed a mystical aura to it: purity, longevity, protection, and prosperity. Wearing jadeite jewelry not only displayed refined taste but also brought one closer to Confucian and Buddhist values.
Jadeite fascinates because it seems… alive. It interacts with light, changing tone depending on the lighting, the temperature, or even the skin tone of the person wearing it. In China, it is said to have “a spirit” ( youling ).
Some traditions even claim that if the stone tarnishes, it means it has absorbed an evil that threatened its owner. It is thus often offered to protect, attract luck, or signify a deep connection.
A simple pendant can be worth a few hundred euros... or several million. Why?
Here is what makes a jadeite jewel valuable :
The color : "Imperial" green is the most sought-after. It's not too dark, not too gray, and not mottled.
The texture : fine, regular, with a soft, almost watery translucency.
Size and uniformity : forming a necklace with several identical pearls is extremely rare.
Lack of treatment : natural jadeite, undyed and unstabilized, is much more valuable.
According to a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong, less than 10% of mined jadeite is of gem quality. And only a fraction of this reaches collector's standards.
The shape of a jadeite jewel is never random: it carries within it a symbolic charge deeply rooted in Asian cultures. The circle, found in bracelets or discs called bi , evokes eternity, perfection and cosmic harmony. The jade leaf, finely carved, is a symbol of longevity and rebirth, while the laughing Buddha, frequently worn as a pendant, embodies inner peace, joy and abundance. Another popular shape, the bean or haricot, symbolizes fertility, luck and growth, both material and spiritual. Thus, each jewel becomes a talisman, a silent message between the one who offers it and the one who wears it. Jadeite is not limited to aesthetics: it tells, protects, and connects generations through a tradition that is still alive.
Today, jadeite continues to be central to family rituals , engagements, birth and wedding gifts throughout East Asia. It is also increasingly present in museums, such as the British Museum and the Taipei Imperial Palace , where it is exhibited as a work of art in its own right.
Asian universities, such as those in Kyoto , Hong Kong , and Taipei , are conducting research projects that combine geology, art history, and anthropology on the history of jade.
Things to remember for successful collecting
To go further
“Jades” exhibition at the Guimet Museum (Paris, 2021) – a journey through 7,000 years of jade art.
"Jade: Stone of Heaven" by Richard Hughes – an essential reference for collectors.
University of Hong Kong (HKU) – research programs in gemology and Asian material culture.
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