A green bangle and a whitish carving may both be called jade. Colour does not explain the material or whether its appearance has been altered.

A name with several meanings

In trade, jade principally includes jadeite and nephrite; certain omphacite-rich materials may also qualify under specific conditions. Precise identification matters. Dyeing and impregnation can alter appearance; uniform green does not prove untreated material.

Trade classifications

Jadeite descriptions such as A, B and C concern treatments rather than a simple beauty hierarchy. Request a full explanation and relevant report. “A” does not guarantee top quality or a particular origin.

A bangle must fit

Measure the inner diameter and discuss trying it on. Do not force it over the hand. Request views of the entire circumference, including colour and texture changes.

For a carving, assess material and workmanship separately. A good description records both, together with fractures or repairs. An interesting story does not replace identification.

Do not scratch or strike it for a supposed sound test. Request gemmological examination of an unknown object and keep the conclusion with provenance documents.