Introduction

Jade is a precious gemstone which many people wear as a piece of jewelry and also as a lucky charm as it is known to protect the wearer from misfortune, danger and evil spirits. Jade is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity as per the Buddhist scriptures. Jade is classified into various grades used as per international standards. Similar to other precious stones Jade is transformed into an exquisite piece after passing through the process of cutting, carving, sanding, polishing and designing.

The quality of the jade depends on the tone, color, clarity, texture and methods used for cutting. A good quality Jade Jewelry should consist of penetrating colors which are evenly distributed throughout the stone. It should have a consistent honey like clarity and translucency. The texture can range from fine to coarse and the best quality is a texture which is clear and free from impurities.

Manufacturing and Processing of Jade

The process of converting Jade from raw material to finished products involves a series of steps after which they are graded depending on the shape of the stone, color, flaws and more. After that the stones will be cut and designed depending on the shape of the jewelry. After the raw stones are cut, the shape of the bangle, saddle or egg surfaces are outlined to avoid damaging the stone while designing.

The raw jade stones undergo cutting, rinsing and sanding to make the jade smooth and superior. The Jade is then polished using polishing liquid mixed with sheepskin. To get a superior quality shine and luster the jade stone is then washed through plum juice and lime water to remove the lipid and dirt. Finally the jade stone is polished with bee wax by filling the pores and improving the shine.

Different grades of Jade

There are three categories of jade, type A jade which is of superior quality and type B and C grades. Type A grade jades are more in demand and the prices for them are higher too. To fulfill the customers demands the manufacturers use chemical bleach to remove the impurities from lower jades thus damaging the structure in the process. This jade then gets classified as B grade and C grade jades.
• Types A Jade – this is a natural, untreated jade which undergoes natural processes of plum juice washing and polishing with beewax. This procedure does not classify under artificially processed method as they is no high temperature or high pressure treatment used.
• Type B Jade – this is an artificially treated jade which is oxygenated and hydrolyzed with oxides like magnesium, iron and calcium which tend to change the color of the jade into brown, black, orange or grey. Strong acids are used for its treatment to remove the impurities and the original color of jade is not affected by powerful acid treatment. However this jade can discolor or become unstable as time passes.
• Type C Jade – this jade has been chemically treated to remove impurities and been dyed as well to improve the color. The color will look impressive but will not retain the quality with passage of time.