Reading jadeite at the Myanmar market

The Journey to the Source

Jadeite jade (Fei Cui) has been revered for centuries across Asia as a symbol of nobility, purity, and spiritual protection. Unlike transparent gemstones like diamonds or sapphires—which are evaluated strictly by standardized laboratory criteria—jadeite possesses an organic, tactile soul that requires decades of hands-on experience to read accurately.

Every year, our sourcing specialists travel to key gemstone trading hubs and raw boulder markets connected to Myanmar’s famous Kachin State (Maw Sit and Phakant regions). Here, in bustling trading halls, thousands of raw rough stones and cut cabochons pass through expert hands. Knowing how to “read” raw jadeite before it is carved is the fundamental secret behind crafting exceptional bespoke jade jewellery.

The Three Pillars of Jadeite Evaluation

1. Color (Vibrancy & Distribution)

While emerald green (“Imperial Green”) remains the most sought-after hue, fine jadeite occurs in a rich spectrum including lavender, icy white, honey yellow, and deep black. When assessing color on site, our buyers evaluate three distinct factors:

• Hue: Pure green without dark grey or yellowish undertones.
• Saturation: Rich, vivid intensity that glows evenly throughout the cabochon.
• Evenness: Whether the color distributes seamlessly across the stone or forms pleasing artistic clouds.

2. Translucency (“Water Content”)

In jadeite terminology, translucency is often referred to as “water” (水头). High-grade jadeite allows light to penetrate deep beneath its surface, creating an ethereal internal glow as if light is suspended in liquid ice. Stones are classified across four main clarity tiers:

Jadeite Category	Light Penetration	Visual Appearance
Icy / Glassy (Glass Variety)	Complete / High Penetration	Crystal clear, jelly-like luminescence; highly prized for bespoke rings.
Glacier / Commercial Icy	Semi-Translucent	Soft liquid glow; minor visible grain structure under backlight.
Glaxy / Glutinous (Sticky Rice)	Moderate Penetration	Smooth, milky texture; vibrant color but limited light depth.
Dry / Opaque	Low / Surface Only	Dull surface appearance; lacking internal light reflection.

3. Texture & Crystal Structure

Jadeite is an interlocking aggregate of fine pyroxene mineral crystals. The smaller and tighter these fibrous crystals interlock, the smoother the polished stone appears. High-grade Grade A jadeite feels silky smooth to the touch and rings with a clear metallic resonance when gently tapped.

Grade A vs. Chemically Treated Jade (Grades B & C)

The market is saturated with treated stones. Grade B jadeite has been submerged in acid baths to clear dark inclusion spots before being injected with polymer resin. Grade C jadeite has been artificially dyed with green or purple pigments. At Kaisoon Consultancy, we maintain a strict policy: We work exclusively with 100% natural, untreated Grade A Jadeite.

Designing Contemporary Bespoke Settings for Jadeite

Traditional jade settings often leaned toward heavy, classical designs. Today, our Victoria Street studio bridges heritage and modern aesthetics by pairing fine Grade A jadeite cabochons with dainty 18K white gold, micro-set diamonds, and sleek geometric motifs—creating heirloom pieces suited for everyday modern elegance.