Jade is a precious stone that has been a valuable item for centuries. However, the value of jade has made it a target for counterfeiters who produce fake jade in an attempt to make a quick buck. That is why knowing how to identify real jade from the fake is essential. This is especially true for anyone who wants to purchase this gem.
Get an Expert Opinion
If you are considering buying jade or an antique piece, do consult a professional appraiser who can put the stone through various tests to determine if it is real or a copy. Expert appraisers at Apprasily can stop you from being scammed. Reading up on articles and research material about how to identify jade also helps.
How to Identify Jade and Determine it’s Real Worth
There are several simple techniques to determine the authenticity of a jade gemstone, however it is important to note that none of these methods are foolproof procedures. But before that it’s important to understand that there are two types of jade: nephrite and jadeite.
Nephrite is more common and less expensive, while jadeite is more rare and expensive. Knowing the difference between the two can help you spot a fake.
To make an informed decision when it comes to buying the real jade, consider the following factors. These will help you prevent yourself from being taken advantage of.
Color
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between real and fake jade is to check its color. Real jade is a deep, vibrant green color, while most fake jades are pale and more of an off-white or even blue-green.
To avoid being scammed, make sure the jade stone is a rich emerald or beautiful emerald color and not too dark. The most common types of fake jade are turquoise—easy to spot due to its lighter green color.
A real green gem will have a shine that reflects light off its surface, while a fake one won’t. Imitation jade will often show signs of air bubbles or impurities throughout its structure.
It will show duller colors than the actual jade gemstone. Also, there will be no depth in the various layers of hues within the stone itself.
Texture
The next step in spotting a real jade gemstone is by feeling its texture. There are numerous ways to tell if the jade you have is genuine. But there is nothing as reliable as simply examining the gemstone yourself.
Real jade has a smooth, even texture, while fake jade will often have a rough or chalky feel to it. Different textures make jade stand out from authentic stone. To assess the difference feel for any nicks in the stone. The real jade will be smooth and have no bumps or cracks.
Fake stones will often be more opaque than real stones, with a glass-like texture. The genuine real jade has a denser feel unlike the counterfeit ones. Real jade will have an even texture throughout. Imperial jade often comes in transparent stones with gorgeous textures and rich colors that are unmistakably authentic.
Hardness
It is important to understand the difference between fake and true archaic jades. To make sure the stone is authentic, perform a hardness test.
You can do this by scratching it against another gemstone or howlite. If you hear a sound of metal on metal, then it might not be an authentic jade stone.
You could also try doing the fingernail test which involves scratching the surface of the stone with a fingernail. If it scratches then it’s most likely made of glass and not genuine jade.
Additionally, hardness tests such as the Mohs Hardness Test are quite useful. They determine how much a jade stone is worth and also bring reveal its true authenticity. It can be pretty destructive though so you should use this test with caution.
Artificial Treatments
Authentic jade gemstones should have translucent properties and natural color, so keep an eye out for artificial treatments. When looking for real jade stone, check if the stone has a cloudy look. Anything similar to that will mean that artificial polymers have been injected to strengthen the stone.
Also, be wary of jade doublets and triplets as these are made up of two or three pieces glued together to look like real jade. Be sure to examine if the slices have similar shapes and sizes as this could be an indication that they are fake.
Authentic jade stones have no artificial treatments and many flaws. Artificial stones can be treated to simulate the natural color of jade to a certain extent. This makes it hard for you to differentiate between authentic and fake jade.
Buy Only From Genuine Sellers
When buying jewelry or decorative items with jade stones, look for authenticity marks from third-party labs to determine if it is genuine. Also, to avoid getting scammed when shopping for expensive stones, it is recommended to purchase from reputable dealers and inspect any stone closely before making a purchase. This way you can protect yourself and also keep adding quality pieces to your jade collection.
New vs Old
New jade jewelry should not come at a premium rate, as it is typically priced lower than older or antique pieces of jade. Whenever in doubt have an appraiser examine it. They are experts and have extensive knowledge about gemstones and know how to identify jade accurately. Appraisers at Appraisily can help you, so you do not end up getting ripped off by buying a fake jade.
Cited Sources
https://www.maorijadependants.com/is-black-jade-real-jade
https://www.asianart.com/articles/hoffman/index.html
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/just-ask-jeff-buying-gemstones-in-afghanistan/
https://www.jewelryshoppingguide.com/how-to-tell-if-jade-is-real/
https://icecarats.com/blogs/icecarats-magazine/is-your-jade-real-tests-to-help-you-verify?ic=ca
https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/how-tos/how-to-test-jade-if-its-real
https://www.solsticestones.com/post/crystal-cautions
https://www.thepeachbox.com/blogs/gemstones/how-to-tell-if-jade-is-real
