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Exotic Gems, Volume 4

€23,14
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Buying jade is a challenge because its value can vary significantly depending on its quality and treatment status. Moreover, fake jade is prevalent in the marketplace. Exotic Gems, Volume 4 describes with text and photos how to evaluate jade quality, as well as detect imitations and dyed jade. The guide also illustrates advanced detection techniques, and compares price factors and characteristics of jadeite and nephrite jade. Abalone pearls are also covered, with tips on how to identify and evaluate them. This is the fourth in a series of books that explores the history, properties, qualities and geographic sources of exotic gems. If you’re interested in jade or abalone pearls, Exotic Gems, Volume 4 can provide you with the in-depth information you’ll need to be a smart buyer and seller. ,- Contents

1. Why is Jade so Prized? 9

What Makes Jade Special? 9

2. What is Jade? 13

Is the Omphacite/Kosmochlor Jade Issue Relevant? 17

Caring for Jade 17

3. Jadeite or Nephrite Jade? 18

Jadeite and Nephrite Jade Localities 22

Basic Gemological Tools for Identifying Jade 23

Advanced Gem Instruments for Identifying Jade 25

4. Imitation or Real Jade? 30

Jade Imitations and Look-a-likes 30

Clues Lay People Can Use to Help Detect Fake Jade 41

5. Treated or Untreated? 43

Jade Treatments 43

Clues Lay People Can Use to Help Detect Treated Jade 47

Advanced Tools for Detecting Jade Treatments 50

6. Jadeite & Nephrite Price Factors 56

Price Factors for Jadeite Jewelry 56

Jadeite Price Factors Explained 57

Transparency 57

Color 59

Clarity (Purity) 62

Cutting Style & Shape 62

Cut Quality (Craftsmanship) 63

Carat Weight & Size 63

Some Jade Jewelry Auction Sales by Bonhams 64

Treatment Status 67

Texture 67

Nephrite Price Factors 67

7. Chinese Jade 71

Jade from China 71

Chinese Jade Trade 73


8. Burmese Jadeite 78

A Brief History of Burmese Jadeite 84

9. Guatemalan Jade 85

10. Canadian Jade 91

How a Master Carver Carves Canadian Jade 95

A Brief History of Canadian Jade 99

11. USA Jade 100

Alaska Jade 100

California Jade 101

Wyoming Jade 104

How a Master Carver Carves Wyoming Black Jade 108

A Word from a Master Carver about Wyoming Black Jade 109

12. Jade from Other Sources 110

Russian Jade 110

New Zealand Jade 112

Australian Jade 113

South Korea Jade 114

Swiss Jade 115

Taiwanese Jade 115

Turkish Jade 116

13. Abalone Pearls 117

How a Cornucopia Pearl Brought Overflowing Abundance 118

North American Abalone Pearls 120

New Zealand Paua Pearls 122

Paua (Abalone) Mabe Pearl Cultivation 123

Identifying Characteristics of Abalone Pearls 124

Abalone Pearl Price Factors 127

Caring for Abalone Pearls 130

Bibliography 131

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Exotic Gems, Volume 4

€23,14

Buying jade is a challenge because its value can vary significantly depending on its quality and treatment status. Moreover, fake jade is prevalent in the marketplace. Exotic Gems, Volume 4 describes with text and photos how to evaluate jade quality, as well as detect imitations and dyed jade. The guide also illustrates advanced detection techniques, and compares price factors and characteristics of jadeite and nephrite jade. Abalone pearls are also covered, with tips on how to identify and evaluate them. This is the fourth in a series of books that explores the history, properties, qualities and geographic sources of exotic gems. If you’re interested in jade or abalone pearls, Exotic Gems, Volume 4 can provide you with the in-depth information you’ll need to be a smart buyer and seller. ,- Contents

1. Why is Jade so Prized? 9

What Makes Jade Special? 9

2. What is Jade? 13

Is the Omphacite/Kosmochlor Jade Issue Relevant? 17

Caring for Jade 17

3. Jadeite or Nephrite Jade? 18

Jadeite and Nephrite Jade Localities 22

Basic Gemological Tools for Identifying Jade 23

Advanced Gem Instruments for Identifying Jade 25

4. Imitation or Real Jade? 30

Jade Imitations and Look-a-likes 30

Clues Lay People Can Use to Help Detect Fake Jade 41

5. Treated or Untreated? 43

Jade Treatments 43

Clues Lay People Can Use to Help Detect Treated Jade 47

Advanced Tools for Detecting Jade Treatments 50

6. Jadeite & Nephrite Price Factors 56

Price Factors for Jadeite Jewelry 56

Jadeite Price Factors Explained 57

Transparency 57

Color 59

Clarity (Purity) 62

Cutting Style & Shape 62

Cut Quality (Craftsmanship) 63

Carat Weight & Size 63

Some Jade Jewelry Auction Sales by Bonhams 64

Treatment Status 67

Texture 67

Nephrite Price Factors 67

7. Chinese Jade 71

Jade from China 71

Chinese Jade Trade 73


8. Burmese Jadeite 78

A Brief History of Burmese Jadeite 84

9. Guatemalan Jade 85

10. Canadian Jade 91

How a Master Carver Carves Canadian Jade 95

A Brief History of Canadian Jade 99

11. USA Jade 100

Alaska Jade 100

California Jade 101

Wyoming Jade 104

How a Master Carver Carves Wyoming Black Jade 108

A Word from a Master Carver about Wyoming Black Jade 109

12. Jade from Other Sources 110

Russian Jade 110

New Zealand Jade 112

Australian Jade 113

South Korea Jade 114

Swiss Jade 115

Taiwanese Jade 115

Turkish Jade 116

13. Abalone Pearls 117

How a Cornucopia Pearl Brought Overflowing Abundance 118

North American Abalone Pearls 120

New Zealand Paua Pearls 122

Paua (Abalone) Mabe Pearl Cultivation 123

Identifying Characteristics of Abalone Pearls 124

Abalone Pearl Price Factors 127

Caring for Abalone Pearls 130

Bibliography 131

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