Introduction to Jade

Jade is a gemstone of unparalleled beauty and cultural significance, highly revered across the world for thousands of years. While the term "jade" encompasses two different minerals—nephrite and jadeite—it is jadeite that holds a special place in history and is considered the true and most valuable form of jade. Among the various types of jadeite, natural, untreated jadeite from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is regarded as the pinnacle of quality and value.

Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum silicate, and it stands out for its vibrant colors, ranging from rich greens to lavenders, reds, and whites. However, it is the deep green jadeite, especially the translucent "imperial jade," that commands the highest esteem. Myanmar's jadeite deposits are widely recognized as the source of the finest, most prized jadeite in the world. This region's jadeite is unique not only in its breathtaking color and clarity but also in its geological rarity, making it the gold standard for connoisseurs, collectors, and jewelers alike.

What truly elevates natural, untreated jadeite from Myanmar above all other forms of jade is its untouched purity. Unlike treated jadeite, which may undergo chemical enhancements, dyeing, or other artificial processes to alter its appearance, natural jadeite retains its inherent properties and charm. The value of untreated jadeite lies in its unaltered state—its vibrant colors, translucency, and intricate textures, which are naturally formed over millions of years. As such, untreated jadeite from Myanmar is considered the only "true" jade that holds significant value in the eyes of both collectors and investors.

For centuries, jadeite from Myanmar has been deeply intertwined with cultural heritage, particularly in China, where it symbolizes wealth, status, and good fortune. The jadeite from this region is so revered that it is considered not just a gemstone, but a symbol of power and prestige. Today, due to its rarity and the skill required to extract and work with it, natural, untreated jadeite from Myanmar remains the gold standard of jade, representing the ultimate in luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.