Jade

Jade is a polycristalline aggregate made of fine and very densely interwoven mineral grains or fibres, which give it its outstanding workable properties. Based on historic references, the Chinese understanding of the term jade is not equal to the Western understanding of the term, which has been defined (CIBJO) to consist either of jadeite (mineral of the pyroxene group) or nephrite, an intermediate member of the solid solution series between  actinolite and tremolite (amphiboles). In the Chinese understanding, the term jade was historically separated into the terms Ying Yù (hard jade), mostly corresponding to pyroxenitic jade (also known as “Fei Cui” 翡翠) and Ruan Yù (soft jade), which apart from nephrite also includes minerals of the serpentine group (Xiù Yù jade, Henan). For more information, see this article.

As a gemmological laboratory with a scientific approach, we strictly use mineralogical and chemical parameters to identify jade, either as jadeite-jade or nephrite-jade and to disclose any treatments applied on these stones. In the following the wording on reports is explained using jadeite-jade as an example.

Report No & Photo

The SSEF report number is the number given to the jade item when it is submitted for testing, and is a unique number. If an item is resubmitted later for a ‚recheck‘ after re-cutting or for a report update then the item obtains a new report number.
The photo of a jadeite-jade piece depicts the gem at the time of testing. The photo on an SSEF report is for representational purposes and does not necessarily represent actual colour, clarity or size. For size comparison purposes, approx. magnification used is provided under the photo on the report.

Weight

Weight of a jadeite-jade piece in carats, measured and stated with 3 digits. In the case of mounted jewellery, total weight corresponds to total weight of jewellery item(s) and is stated in grams.

Shape & Cut

The shape and cut describe the outlining shape and cutting style of an examined gemstone. For jewellery items with several stones, if these vary, a range of shapes and cuts may be stated.

Measurements

The measurements are given at 2 decimal places. They generally represent length x width x height of a gemstone. For series of gemstones or gemstones in jewellery, a range of measurements may be stated on the report.

Colour

The colour description of jadeite-jade on an SSEF report describes the colour hue (such as green, light green, white, brown, light purple) of the examined item(s). In case of inhomogeneous colour, the range of colours is stated.

Transparency

Jadeite-jade is generally transluscent. Transparency grading at SSEF follows the following scale:

  • transparent
  • semi-transparent
  • translucent
  • sub-translucent
  • opaque

Identification

If the studied gemstone is found to be jadeite-jade it would be stated in the Identification section as ‘Jadeite-jade’. When found to be nephrite-jade, ‘Nephrite-jade’ would be stated in the Identification section of a SSEF report.

Treatment

Jadeite-jade is commonly treated, either through impregnation and/or dying. As such treatment disclosure follows the following guidelines:

  • No indications of impregnation. This jadeite-jade may also be called ‘jadeite-jade type A’ in the trade.
  • Impregnated with wax/oil/artificial resin. This jadeite-jade may also be called ‘jadeite-jade type B’ in the trade.
  • Dyed. This jadeite-jade may also be called ‘jadeite-jade type C’ in the trade.
  • Dyed and impregnated with wax/oil/artificial resin. This jadeite-jade may also be called ‘jadeite-jade type B+C’ in the trade.

If the material corresponds to the latter two cases, then it would be disclosed as ‘Treated jadeite-jade’.

Origin

Origin determination is an expert opinion. At SSEF origin determination relies on the analysis of microscopic features, trace element concentrations, and spectroscopic data of a coloured gemstone. The measured data pertaining to a specific client stone is then compared with our extensive reference collection and database of coloured gemstones of known origin, and scientific gemmological literature.

Report date & verification

The date corresponds to the date on which gemmological testing of the item was concluded. SSEF reports can be verified on www.myssef.ch