Jadeite
Jadeite's warmth and transparency are deeply loved in the Chinese cultural sphere. Jadeite, known as "king of jade," has long been ranked alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires as high-end jewelry. At international auctions in Hong Kong, jadeite garners significant attention, with prices frequently setting new highs. Burmese jadeite is the only type of jadeite recognized internationally as gemstone-grade.
TRACEY CHEN exclusively uses pure, natural, unprocessed Burmese
Grade A jadeite.
Natural jadeite comes in colors such as green, white, purple, dark green, and orange-yellow. We use high-grade ice-mutton jadeite as design material, employing thick materials to create the most brilliant facets. TRACEY CHEN's exclusive invention patent introduces a handcrafted 3D three-dimensional cut, requiring four goldsmiths' careful and time-consuming work, endowing the Urban Series with a strong contemporary aesthetic.
Understanding TRACEY CHEN Jadeite
Jadeite in ancient times was considered a royal gem, symbolizing harmony and peace, and carrying beautiful blessings. Jadeite's warmth and transparency have long been cherished in the Chinese cultural sphere. Often referred to as "king of jade," it is listed alongside diamonds, rubies, and sapphires as high-end jewelry. At international auctions in Hong Kong, jadeite is highly sought after, and its prices continuously rise.
Jadeite consists of jadeite and other associated minerals.
Scientifically named jadeite, it must contain more than 50% jadeite to be considered jadeite. Its unique "jadeite quality" is a key identification feature. Major jadeite production areas are located in Myanmar's northern Monywa region, and it's known as "king of jade" for its six notable characteristics: rich color, stable physical properties, strong luster, high refractive index, high specific gravity, and high hardness.
Since jadeite has a polycrystalline structure, its quality is assessed considering color tone, shade, and uniformity.
Texture
Jadeite is extracted from rough stones, and skilled artisans can only estimate the internal color bands before cutting. Only experienced artisans can fully utilize the jadeite stone to produce jadeite of even
color and quality.
Color
One of jadeite's charms lies in its endless color variations. The gem
can be as clear as glass or as rich as marble. Jadeites crystal
qualities vary, sometimes visible to the naked eye or requiring a microscope. Its color may appear in spots, stripes, or patterns.
Value
Jadeite's green color is ever-changing, and when crafted into jewelry, its value is determined by the uniformity of color and texture. The use of thick jadeite in jewelry can reveal more intense colors. Matching jadeite earrings from two different stones is often impossible;
excellent jadeite necklaces are cut from the same rough stone to ensure uniform color and texture, making the selection process challenging. For high-quality jadeite bangles, it's crucial to use a whole, uncracked, and fully green rough stone, making luck a significant factor.
TRACEY CHEN's Jadeite
Our high-end and Urban Series uphold this commitment:
- Only Burmese jadeite is used.
- Pure Grade A jadeite, meaning natural and unprocessed
- Strictly selected for type and color, including imperial green, fresh green, lake green, and more, with a preference for high-grade ice-
- mutton jadeite.
What Are Grade A, B, and C Jadeites?
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Only Grade A (A-type) jadeite is considered natural, with superior color and various textures, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate and collect natures masterpiece. TRACEY CHEN only uses Grade A natural jadeite to highlight the natural beauty and contemporary style. As the mining of high-quality jadeite becomes increasingly rare and valuable, processed jadeites (Grade B and C) do not match the quality of natural Grade A jadeite.
Grade A: Completely natural, unprocessed jadeite. Grade B: Jadeite that has been bleached and filled with resin to improve texture. Grade
C: Jadeite that has been dyed to enhance color. B+C: Optimized jadeite with acid treatment and dyeing, severely compromising its value.
Why Does TRACEY CHEN's Jadeite Look So Modern?
Breaking with over a century of traditional jadeite designs, the exclusive "Irregular Cutting Patent" gives jadeite a fresh new life.
Tracey has spent three years developing this, from purchasing rough stones to creating unique irregular cuts and integrating geometric concepts into jewelry design, combined with handmade craftsmanship. This approach surpasses traditional pricing constraints. She also values comfort and durability, using corrosion-resistant, fine, hypoallergenic metals to ensure the jewelry's longevity and value. Despite the increased complexity and difficulty of the process, it reflects unparalleled artistic and aesthetic achievement.
