Newsletters

Spring/Summer 2006

One of the surprising observations on the jade trade at this moment is that while green jade prices are always suspected to rise, and rarely dissapoint, it is the other colors of jade that are exhibiting surprising surges in value.

Red jade, once priced well below lavender and green jade, is not only expensive, but hard to find. Prices may still rise by as much as 20% to 40% in the next year as material is processed. Fine carved pendants, bangles and beads are not plentiful, and prices on those will rise even more rapidly. The same can be said for yellow jade.

'Ice jade' ( or 'crystal jade') is available, in limited quantities, still at high prices.

Some relatively large and fine lavender rough boulders have been brought to Hong Kong, and 'neighboring' cutting centers as far away as Canton. Shot through with white streaks, a 300 kg rock is producing intense, but small stones.

Another surprise is black jade. This is not the black nephrite that is usually used in 14k and 18k jewelry, but a form of unusually clean, spot-free black jadeite. The favored term for this material is 'inky green' black jade and, when back-lit, this material shows deep green overtones of color. This material is achieving astounding prices in auctions.

Why all this interest in the rare and unusual? China, of course! Newly-rich mainland Chinese are exhibiting a renewed interest in acquiring the best in jade, and their taste is eclectic.

Please look for our Fall/Winter Newsletter coming soon!