Jade is a beautiful and highly valued gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years, especially in Asian cultures. Jade can come in a variety of colors ranging from white to green to lavender, with green jade being the most prized. Like other gemstones, jade is graded based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The highest quality jade is given the designation “Grade A” and commands very high prices. But what exactly makes a piece of jade qualify as Grade A? Here we will explore the characteristics and traits that experts look for when determining the grade of jade.
What Makes Jade Valuable?
Jade’s value is determined by a combination of factors:
– Color – Vivid and intense greens are most valuable. Whitish and lavender jade is less desirable.
– Clarity – Jade should not have flaws, spots, or cloudiness. Grade A jade will be clear.
– Texture – Jade should have an even, finely grained texture. No streaks or blotches.
– Cut and Polish – A finely cut and smoothly polished finish increases value.
– Carat Weight – Like other gems, larger jade pieces command higher prices per carat.
– Authenticity – Natural jade is more valuable than treated or artificially colored jade.
Grade A Jade Color
Of all the factors that determine jade’s grade and value, color is king. For jade to qualify as Grade A, it must possess an intensely saturated green hue. The most valuable green jade shades range from deep emerald green to spinach green.
Lighter apple greens are still considered high quality and can qualify as Grade A, but the deepest greens will always command top prices. Whitish jade is considered less desirable, even with top grades in other factors like clarity and texture. Lavender jade is also lower value.
Here is a breakdown of the grade spectrum for jade color:
– Grade A: Vivid emerald green to spinach green. Also deep apple green.
– Grade B: Lighter apple green. Still good but not vivid enough for top grade.
– Grade C: Pale green to whitish green. Lower value.
– Grade D: Lavender jade. Least valuable shade.
Examples of Grade A Green Jade Colors
| Emerald Green | Deep green with bluish undertone, like fine emerald gemstones. |
| Spinach Green | Rich “leafy” green with yellowish undertone. |
So in summary, the deepest, most vivid greens qualify as Grade A jade. This intense green color is the most important factor in determining overall jade grade.
Grade A Clarity
The next consideration for Grade A jade is clarity. Jade should not have any visible blemishes, spots, pits, cracks, or cloudiness. Grade A jade will be entirely clear and transparent under close inspection. No flaws or inclusions should be seen within the stone.
Lower grades of jade may have:
– Visible pits, marks, or cracks
– Cloudy patches or streaks
– Noticeable mineral deposits or inclusions
Jade may also be clarity enhanced with dye or resin to hide flaws. This treated jade is lower value than untreated, naturally clear jade. Grade A jade will be untreated and flawlessly clear.
Grade A Jade Texture
Ideal jade should have a finely grained, even texture without blotches or variation. No visible grain patterns or streaking should be present.
Common texture flaws that lower jade grade include:
– Blotchy grain areas
– Visible color variations
– Patchiness or uneven texture
– Coarse, uneven grain
Grade A jade will have a smooth, consistent, finely grained texture all throughout the stone. No part of the surface should be noticeably different in texture. This even, smooth texture adds to the beauty and perceived quality of top grade jade.
Grade A Cut and Polish
How the jade is cut and its surface finish also impact its grade and value. A finely cut jade piece with crisp, clean lines and contours has a higher grade than a poorly cut stone.
The expected traits of Grade A cut and polish include:
– Precise, clean cutting and faceting
– Smooth, unblemished polished surfaces
– Highly reflective polished sheen
– No visible saw marks or rough edges
The time and expertise needed to finely cut and polish jade also adds value compared to rougher finishes. Grade A jade will be meticulously cut and polished for maximum beauty.
Grade A Carat Weight
As with other precious gemstones, jade prices rise exponentially based on carat weight. Larger stones are increasingly rare and valuable.
For the same color, clarity, and cut – a 10 carat Grade A jade will have a far higher value than a 1 carat piece. Price per carat rises sharply at higher weights due to scarcity.
| Jade Carat Weight | Sample Market Price |
|---|---|
| 1 carat | $80 – $100 per carat |
| 5 carats | $600 – $800 per carat |
| 10 carats | $1,500 – $2,000 per carat |
| 25 carats | $5,000 – $10,000 per carat |
So Grade A jade in larger stone sizes can achieve tremendous values based on carat pricing alone. This makes carat weight an important part of assessing jade grades.
Authentic, Natural Grade A Jade
One final aspect that defines top grade jade is natural authenticity. Grade A jade should be real jadeite or nephrite, without any treatments or enhancements.
Common jade enhancements that lower value include:
– Dyeing – Adding color to alter hue
– Resin filling – Filling cracks and pores with epoxy resins
– Bleaching – Removing color with chemicals
– Stabilization – Using polymer to fill cracks
Heavily enhanced jade can still retain a good polish and clarity, but treated stones are considered lower grades. Grade A status requires completely untreated, natural jade that displays its true, authentic colors and texture.
How Grade A Jade is Assessed
Gemologists and expert graders have methods to identify and verify Grade A quality factors in jade:
– **Color** – Precise colorimetry measurements are taken under controlled lighting conditions to quantify hue and saturation. The most vivid greens achieve Grade A.
– **Clarity** – The jade is scrutinized under 10x magnification for any minute flaws. Transparency and purity is essential for the top grade.
– **Texture** – Experts examine the stone’s grain and texture at a microscopic level to ensure consistency. No variations in smoothness can be present.
– **Cut** – Precise measurements of facets and angles are taken to judge cut quality. The finish is inspected for any imperfections under strong lighting.
– **Treatments** – Testing methods like spectroscopy can detect any chemical treatments or enhancements. Grade A jade will show no evidence of alteration.
These analytical techniques allow graders to confirm that only the most premium jade qualifies for the Grade A designation. This strict assessment process maintains the exceptional standards of the highest jade quality tier.
Grade A Imperial Jadeite
The very best jadeite, displaying a rich emerald green color, is sometimes categorized as “Imperial Jadeite.” This designation represents an exceptionally rare and valuable type of Grade A jade.
Imperial Jadeite criteria:
– Vivid emerald green color – The most sought after hue
– Natural texture – No enhancement or fillers
– High translucency – Allows light to pass through
– Fine even grain – No variations under magnification
Imperial Jadeite is the pinnacle of jade quality and commands extremely high premiums in the marketplace due to its unparalleled beauty and rarity. Only a minuscule fraction of jadeite mined and cut qualifies for this exclusive top grade.
Grade A Jade Pricing
Due to its elite status and scarcity, Grade A jade comes at a premium cost. Some example pricing for high quality Grade A jade:
– Jade Bangle – $3,000 – $6,000+
– Jade Pendant – $1,500 – $3,000
– Jade Ring – $1,000 – $2,000+
– Jade Ornament – $600 – $1,200
Imperial Jadeite at larger carat sizes can cost over $1 million for jewelry pieces. Rough jadeite boulders also command huge sums at auction, from hundreds of thousands up to $10+ million.
As one of the world’s most precious and coveted gemstones, Grade A jade is truly in a league of its own in terms of prestige and value. The combination of intense color, pure clarity, fine texture and top craftsmanship culminates in something exceptionally beautiful and rare, for those who can afford this ultimate level of jade quality.
Where to Buy Grade A Jade
Finding authentic Grade A jade requires expert sourcing from reputable dealers. Some top options include:
– **High end jewelry stores** – Brands like Cartier and Tiffany that specialize in fine gems.
– **Auction houses** – Sotheby’s and Christie’s regularly hold jade auctions. Can find exceptional pieces.
– **Jade specialists** – Dealers focused specifically on jade like Mason-Kay. Reliable grading expertise.
– **Direct from jade mines** – Buying onsite can connect you with top quality rough stones before cutting. Burma and Guatemala have famed jade mines.
– **Online** – Allows global access but should buy from verified sellers with return guarantees and grading credentials.
It’s recommended to have any purported Grade A jade independently appraised by a qualified gem lab like GIA, AGL or Gubelin to verify its quality grade and avoid overpaying. An accompanying certificate can prove the jade’s value and top tier status.
Identifying Fake Grade A Jade
Beware of Grade A jade that is artificially enhanced, filled, or completely faked:
– **Color treatment** – Dyeing and bleaching can alter apparent hue, including green jadeite. Always have tested.
– **Resin filling** – Cracks and fissures get filled to mask clarity issues. Telltale signs under magnification.
– **Composition** – “Jade” sold as Grade A may be other minerals like serpentine or glass. Lab gemology testing can confirm jade species.
– **Imitations** – Synthetic jade and assembled imitations exist. Get appraisal from accredited gem labs.
Reputable sellers will provide certification, but it pays to be vigilant about possible fakes. There are jade fraudsters that try to pass off lower quality and artificial jade as top grade material. An expert eye is needed to avoid these costly scams.
Caring for Grade A Jade
Once acquired, proper care is required to maintain the integrity and appearance of Grade A jade over time.
Recommended practices:
– Avoid sharp blows or pressure that can scratch, chip, or fracture jade’s surface. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7 so is susceptible to damage.
– Store in soft cloth or secure box separately from harder gems to prevent scratching.
– Clean with mild soap, water, and soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals.
– Avoid exposing to heat or sunlight over prolonged periods as this can cause fading.
With proper care and precautions, Grade A jade can remain in pristine condition to become a lasting family heirloom.
The Significance of Grade A Jade
Jade’s long history and deep cultural roots add to the significance and allure of Grade A pieces:
– Prized in China since Neolithic era, associated with virtue and status.
– Central part of royal Aztec and Mayan civilizations in Mesoamerica.
– Represents spiritual values like wisdom, peace, harmony, in many Asian philosophies.
– Believed to confer health benefits and protection in traditional Chinese medicine.
Beyond monetary worth, Grade A jade can hold special meaning about connections to heritage, wisdom, and well-being. Its legacy as one of the world’s most precious and mystical gems gives it lasting appeal.
Conclusion
Grade A jade occupies the very peak of jadeite and nephrite quality, displaying the richest green hues and purest clarity. It combines elite color, texture, cut, and treatment-free authenticity to achieve exceptional beauty and rarity. The stringent grading criteria places Grade A jade in a class of its own, resulting in extraordinary value, especially for large carat weights. Its deep significance across cultures further elevates Grade A jade as one of the most coveted gemstones on Earth.