Jade Industry Flourishing? News Report

Results of the December Myanmar Gem Emporium indicate a flourishing gem trade, according to a news report. This particular sale is restricted to local jewelry manufacturers who do not have mining permits. Jade sales at the event totaled about $79 million. Most recent reports have indicated a slump in jade sales.

The emporium for foreign buyers was held in June and brought traders from China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. At that event the 4,500 buyers represented a 60 percent drop in attendance from the previous year. The US doesn't allow import of jade from Myanmar, a sanction related to human rights concerns.

Book Review: Chinese Jade -- Power and Delicacy in a Majestic Art

Chinese Jade -- Power and Delicacy in a Majestic Art by Minghua Zhang, copyright 2004, published by Long River Press @ $12.95.

Modest in size, rich in illustration, this book introduces the jade of China through “history, cultural significance, and importance to the overall Chinese artistic canon.” In keeping with the small size of the book, coverage is limited to significant brief highlights.

 “Interesting and strange stories about ancient Chinese jade are simply too numerous to repeat.” However there are numerous anecdotes offered related to the history of the stone. Several times we meet poor Bian He, who made the mistake of presenting uncarved jade to the emperor. His feet were cut off in punishment for the insult. The emperor didn’t realize the marvelous qualities of the stone, for example that it could change color. However, the next king appreciated the stone and it became a treasured pendant, now missing or destroyed, called “He’s Pendant.”

“What jade lovers are afraid of most are fake jade objects.” Glass and polymer fakes are discussed.

The book also explores avenues available to the collector at various economic levels. It is advised that most jade termed “antique” is not, in part due to laws governing trade in cultural treasures. The considerable expertise necessary to identify antique jade is mentioned.

We learn that the earliest jade artifacts found in China date back 12,000 years! Various archaeological finds over the centuries are noted and related to advancement in crafting of objects and themes.

For those of us who enjoy the display rough, river-worn stones, the news is not good. Jade, we are told, is valued for the qualities of the carving. In keeping with this assertion, the illustrations are images of carved jade only.

It should be noted that this book is a translation of a work originally published by the Shanghai People’s Fine Arts Publishing House. This could be taken as an indication that certain knowledge is assumed in addressing the Chinese reader that may be lacking in the western reader. However, aspects such as symbolism are often explained.

In all, this little book may offer as much as the general reader cares to know about the subject. For others it will be a gateway opened to further research.

I have not attempted to download it but it appears that a pdf of the book is available at http://eethinktank.eu/297/chinese-jade-power-and-minghua-zhang-id44422.pdf

US Sanctions on Jade Hurting Myanmar Reform Efforts

Jade traders in Myanmar say sanctions imposed by the US government force them into dodgy deals with Chinese buyers and investors. Almost all of Myanmar's mined jade, considered by many the best in the world, presently goes to China.

Industry leaders quoted in the MyanmarTimes (link here) said lifting sanctions would have helpful results such as encouraging development of finished jade products for export. At present, Chinese buyers seek only the rough stone for processing back home. There is also the belief that trade with the US would be open to regulation and taxation that do not currently exist. Critics say, basically, there is about $30-billion in annual activity in Myanmar's jade market with only $1-billion reported to the government for tax purposes.

Merchants need new markets due to China's economic troubles and a crackdown on corruption there, resulting in the closing of many shops. At the same time, Chinese miners with heavy equipment are said to be stripping the mining area ahead of installation of a new government. The new government is expected to institute reforms in the trade.

Further complications include deadly landslides blamed on unregulated mining, and recently published reports of extensive drug sales and use as well as other criminal activity such as money laundering. Critics trace that activity to the military, drug lords and cronyism.

The newspaper contacted a US embassy spokesman whose response was not exactly positive regarding lifting of sanctions. He listed a number of factors which have to improve, including "the political transition following the recent elections, the peace process, support for and protection of human rights, and constitutional reforms."

New Zealand Artists Cope With Asian Copies of Maori Designs

The market is flooded with cheap copies of Maori jade jewelry and implements. “(T)he copying of Maori designs predominantly by Asian carvers is an issue for us here in New Zealand,” according to noted carver Dallas Crombie, responding to email questions from The Jade Journey. The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand. The Maori hold jade sacred.

“Not only is it the cultural appropriation but .. because of low labour costs (outsiders) can produce them at a fraction of the cost to us guys working alone. My main issue with this practice is unfortunately here in New Zealand at the moment there is no law requiring jade carvings to state country of origin,” Crombie said. His work may viewed at his Stone Culture site (link).

“Most tourists and even New Zealanders alike would not even be aware that around 80 percent of carvings sold in New Zealand are made in Asia with foreign stone,” Crombie added. He said the primary problem is that galleries and souvenir shops are not required to state where carvings originate. If that were required, he believes that “most discerning customers … would probably be prepared to fork out the extra cash to buy genuine New Zealand sourced and carved jade. Unfortunately, most people just assume that the are buying the genuine article.”

Crombie said that for the general public “it is probably quite hard to differentiate between the true and false New Zealand stone although often the price can be a hint.” A problem with that arises because some carvers are now  devaluing their work to try and compete with the Asian market. “The best way for the discerning buyer to guarantee they are getting the real deal is to buy directly off the carver, or, if buying from a gallery or other source to at least ask who carved the piece. If they cannot answer that question it is best to assume it is not New Zealand made.”

Dallas Crombie at work

Crombie hopes that building a name through quality work will be the saving grace for carvers. He adds that recently the Ngai Tahu, the principal Maori tribe of southern New Zealand, has instituted attachment of labels to carvings, guaranteeing that the piece is locally carved and sourced.

The Jade Journey sought further comment from New Zealand’s ministry of culture without response. The ministry regulates possession, sale and export of a significant amount of New Zealand jade, primarily artifacts.

Jade Mining Surges Due to Worries About New Government

There has been a dramatic increase in use of heavy equipment to mine jade in Myanmar's Hpakant region, attributed to fears that the new reform government will crack down on mining activity. Not only does the mining industry face charges of corruption and  exploitation of the labor force; recent criticism concerns environmental damage resulting in deadly landslides. Those tragedies have caused 114 known deaths although locales say 200 people went missing.
An article (link) from Myanmar quotes Hpakant elder Bran Sai: “The machinery is more powerful than ever. Previously backhoes had 300 horsepower engines at the most. Now they are 3,200 horsepower. There is also far more machinery. The slagheaps grow bigger and bigger. One of the worst things is the use of dynamite. The vibrations spread a long way. Every mine uses explosive. They want to extract as much jade as possible before the new government takes power."

Jade Sales Slump in Myanmar Blamed on China's Economy

Traders are blaming a lack of Chinese buyers for the slump in jade sales in Myanmar. China is the primary market for Myanmar jade and is experiencing an economic slowdown.
Traders also say there is a lack of top quality jade. The scarcity has driven up prices for quality material, slowing sales at that end of the market.
The brief story can be found here.
There has been no mention of the impact of increased traffic in British Columbia nephrite jade to China.
Some indications of that increase include an announcement by Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. in partnership with Dease Lake Jade Mine Ltd. consigned 35.6 tonnes of the 2015 jade production to Xin Yaun Yu Cheng in Beijing. The Chinese firm is set to open the first ever jade retail and wholesale outlet in China exclusively selling BC jade, according to an announcement.
Related news came in a September announcement of shipment of 18 tons of nephrite by Electra Stone to buyers in Shanghai. If all goes well, Electra expects to conduct extensive trade with Chinese buyers in the future. (Update Nov. 28, Electra has made another shipment for a total of 36 tons).
Other BC firms are also quite active in China; it was reported that in recent years 400 tons of Canada jade have been exported annually with most going to China. That figure came from an extensive GIA survey of the global jade market published recently. The article (found here) states that Canada is the major supplier of nephrite to China.

A Stone Worth $16-Million?

The stone is not identified as jade but rather a meteorite, though it certainly has the look of a jade cobble. It is a longtime family treasure now going on the market. Here is the story.

Book Review: Points of Judging Jade

This little booklet (16 pages) by Peter Goodwin (Fellow, Gemmological Association of Great Britain), published by The South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, is more a collectible than a reference work due to its age and brevity.
The booklet, subtitled "A guide to prospective purchasers," is undated but appears to have been printed in the 1950s.
Goodwin makes shopping for quality jade appear to be somewhat child's play. He offers a few clues to identification as though they constitute a reliable guide, and perhaps in his day that was true.
It is easy to suspect that he wrote to entice rather than warn off the prospective purchaser, given that the booklet was no doubt a hand-out provided to visitors who might trade with the newspaper's advertisers. However, he does warn the tourist and traveller that fakes are likely to abound in smaller shops catering to those passing through.
As noted, the booklet provides only a brief overview. For example, in answer to "Is it jade?," Goodwin advises that real jade has 1) good green color (sometimes mottled); 2) a slightly greasy look; 3) a slightly uneven surface. Substitutes, he notes, are likely glass or plastic, or chalcedony. (Today, quite a few more are recognized).
As an addition to the library of the collector or researcher, the booklet can be found priced in the $10 - $15 range -- at least that was my experience. As a guide for the prospective buyer it will not have much value in a day when the Internet abounds with all sorts of advice, some of it of value.

Toxic Jade? Can The Stone of Heaven Send You There?

A number of posts can be found on the Internet suggesting or exploring the assertion that jade contains arsenic and is therefore hazardous to your health.
The discussions become quite complex. For one thing, it is mentioned that asbestos is not a mineral per se but a sort of generic commercial term for a group of similarly-constructed fibrous minerals. So the assertion should be more specific, what sort of asbestos is jade alleged to contain?
Nonetheless you find asbestos often described as a mineral in its own right, though I would venture the mention refers to one type of the various minerals clustered under the generic term.
As to jade, statements vary but the majority opinion appears to be that jade does not contain asbestos. There are various reasons for the mis-statement, including a similarity of structure. There are also some minerals associated with jade which may in turn be associated with asbestos minerals. But the direct connection to jade does not appear to exist.
In the discussion linked to HERE it is brought out that the silica content of jade may be more dangerous to workers than would be asbestos if present. Another discussion of the possible asbestos relationship takes place HERE.
And if you don't have enough to worry about, there is also the matter of jade made radioactive through diabolical treatment methods, demonstrated HERE.

Photo Tour: Shopping at the Source for Rare Chinese Jade

The authors went looking for examples of rare "white stone" jade in Guangzhou, China's Hualin Street jade market. The tour and follow-up provide insights into doctoring of jade to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. Essentially their conclusion echoes a well-known fact: "Like many gem markets, caveat emptor is the norm as imitations abound." The article can be found here (Link).

Infographics Overview of Jade History, Value, Interesting Facts

In ancient times, esteemed individuals might be buried in jade suits. Archaeologists discovered one prince buried in a suit of 2,498 plates of jade held together with 2.5 lbs of gold thread.
China's deposits of nephrite jade are now nearly depleted.
Jade in China typically sells at the same price per carat as diamonds in the US.
One infographic is an attractive presentation of a few general facts, worth a glance just for the art, perhaps a useful introduction for young students ... Link here.
The other provides a brief look at prosperous mining activity in British Columbia ... Link here.
These graphics came to our attention via Electra Stone as the firm announced plans to market its BC jade in Hong Kong and long range selling plans for finished jade from China on the international market ... Link here.

Jade Trade: "The Biggest Natural Resource Heist in Modern History"

As noted earlier, many publications have chimed in on the recent Global Witness report on Myanmar's jade trade and its near-total links to China. Though brief, an article published by the Council on Foreign Relations culls the report for some hard-hitting allegations. And it calls on China, beneficiary of 80 percent of the trade, described as "mostly illegal," to take corrective action.
"The jade trade is rife with corruption, conflict and disease," the article asserts (link).
Among charges and observations mentioned in the article:
The area where mining occurs abounds in heroin addiction and prostitution, abetted by bribed authorities who turn their backs. 
There is an "extraordinarily high prevalence" of HIV/AIDS. 
The problems extend across the border to China's Yunnan Province, where most of the smuggled jade makes its first appearance in China.
Seventy percent of the funding for the largest extractive operations in Myanmar comes for China.
Jade prices continue their upward spiral, creating more demand.
The article calls on China to stamp out smuggling and expose corruption.
A search does not reveal a formal government response at this time, however it appears that many of the charges by Global Witness date back a number of years and changes favoring more openness about the situation have taken place.

Book Review: Keverne's "Jade" is the Biggest and Best

JADE by Roger Keverne, Lorenz Books, first published 1991, updated 2011

If you like to do your reading stretched out in bed, pass on this one. It’s a coffee table book that, given legs, could serve as a coffee table. But it is well worth sitting up for, a storehouse of information on jade.

Keverne’s book, a compendium of essays by various experts, is often cited in later reference material. Books about jade may be many but this appears to be the book to own.

The Half Price Books outlet summed it up: "Jade" combines in a single work the most authoritative contemporary jade research and opinion from the world's leading experts, with over 600 photographs of jades from every continent.

Following a general introduction there appear a group of essays on Chinese jade from Post-Neolithic to modern, concluding with “Appraisal of Chinese Jades.” From there we go to the Pacific Rim, followed by the South Pacific, Europe, Burma, the Islamic and Moghul Jades, North America and Meso-America.

Keverne, “one of the world’s leading dealers and authorities,” provides an introduction as well as a chapter on “Some Advice for Buyers and Collectors.”

The book concludes with a “Jade Collections” directory, a glossary, and a thoroughly remarkable bibliography compiled by respected gem expert Capt. John Sinkakas.

“Jade” is peppered with magnificent photos, most of them showing examples exclusive to this book. Keverne notes that emphasis has been placed on “the accuracy of the colour reproduction.”

One critical review asserted that the book does not contain sufficient information of value to the gemologist. Which is a positive in a way, making it accessible to the general reader…

(The illustration is from Amazon. That’s where I found my copy at a reasonable price. Typically the book sells in the $50-$100 range but better deals can be found).

How To Test for Real Jade

There is plenty of advice in circulation about how to test for real jade. In fact, it is almost impossible not to get fooled at some point without benefit of expensive scientific testing. However, there are some basic tests.
Under bright light, examined with a 10-power loupe, is it fibrous? It should be.
Does it chime when clinked against real jade? (A good argument for carrying a lucky pocket stone from Jade Reverie gallery).
Does it feel cold? It should.
Does it feel soapy smooth? Again, the answer should be "yes."
Do you see air bubbles? If so, it's not jade.
To all of that I would add that you should handle and observe as much jade as possible, over time a certain intuition will develop. How reliable? Ask any trader, there's always an element of gamble.
Here is a link to a site where these tips and others may be found: LINK.

$31 Billion Myanmar Jade Industry Benefits Military & Warlords

Quite a few publications have reported on conflict and corruption in Myanmar’s lucrative jade economy. Researchers put the annual market at $31 billion, with most stones smuggled to China. The story focuses on allegations that the trade fails to benefit local Kachin workers while creating vast wealth for a very powerful few. At present there does not appear to be a government response to the charges.

Among publications reporting on the situation is Forbes Magazine.

Jadeite’s Increasing Popularity a Global Phenomenon

The current issue of Style reports on the increasing popularity of jadeite among trend-setters around the world. The article is somewhat suspect given all the bad news in circulation, but maybe we need some good news:

“The younger generation across the globe is also becoming more interested in jadeite pieces. Young A-listers and style icons such as Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and model Karlie Kloss have been spotted on red carpets wearing modern jadeite jewellery.”

But traditional jade pieces are holding their own as investment: “How well a type of jade fares is a matter of supply and demand. Traditions and depleting sources have led to a price surge in green jadeite. Sin (Ellen Sin, director of jewellery and jadeite at Bonhams Hong Kong) estimates the price for jadeites have increased by three to five times in the past decade.”

Book Review: In Search of Maya Jade

Stone of Kings by Gerard Helferich, Lyons Press, 2012, 286 pages (hardcover).

The subtitle of this book, “In Search of the Lost Jade of the Maya,” delivers a nutshell synopsis.

The Maya treasured jade above gold and left many remarkable artifacts in their “lost” cities. Archaeologists who found the relics could only guess at the source of the jade; there were no deposits anywhere near. Some guessed China, others Atlantis.

Helferich takes on a grand tour of known history and early research, at last arriving at what seems to be an answer, at least a partial answer, in a remote area of Guatemala.

We learn about jade as revered by the Maya as “a storehouse of spiritual energy” possessing a spirit that could intervene in human affairs. It was also considered a medical cure all. We learn that while the Maya favored the stone in brilliant green, while the Olmecs held blue jade in the highest regard.

The book varies in readability, ranging from excellent descriptive passages to sections that seem more like research notes.

Generally speaking though, Stone of Kings is great read, combining scholarship and adventure. Did the author resolve the question of the source of the Maya’s jade? There’s one way to find out: read the book.

Is It Really Hetian Jade? Fakes Abound:

This is a thread from several years ago, very informative in regard to a description often seen of jade items as being Hetian in origin, meaning the item comes from Xinjiang Province in north western China. The description often appears regarding a white pebble or small white ornament, though larger pieces may be found. Given the very high cost of Hetian jade and the popularity in China, it is doubtful that cheap auction material labelled Hetian actually deserves the title. Here is one interesting comment: “Anyone who has carefully watched the jade market over the years knows how skilled the fakers have become and the various tricks they use. The past decade has wrought many changes in the market. It has been volatile.” To learn more visit the ASIAN ARTS FORUM (link).

Is It Really Hand-Carved?

This is a modern “carving” I’ve been researching. It is very cold and heavy like jade and the color seems appropriate. There are little specs of whiteness around the right eye which makes me suspicious. Plus I've seen so many slick, smooth pieces like this that are mass produced. It appears to have been dunked in some sort of coating. The seller called it antique but I certainly don’t believe that. My question is: Is it mass produced or, as advertised, hand carved? I haven’t found a good explanation of modern Chinese techniques of mass production. I assume imitation glass jade is poured into a mold, and there are probably other materials used that way. Those that I’ve seen offered in bulk look glassy. I have also seen that much is being done with lasers. Any thoughts most welcome.

Book Review: The Handbook of Jade by Gerald Hemrich

Actually a booklet but filled with information equal to many books on the subject. Even though The Handbook dates to 1966, most of the material remains relevant today.  A great deal of attention is paid to pseudojades, the stones commonly misidentified as jade. Just as an example, you will frequently see listings for jewelry made with “Mexican jade.” Hemrich points out that this could well be adventurine, serpentine, obsidian, travertine (calcite onyx) or soapstone. From my own observation of the market I’d say onyx is a frequent culprit.

The author makes an interesting comment that I will have to research further as it seems contrary to what is found in the marketplace. He says United States law requires that dyed jade be labelled and sold as such. Unfortunately he does not give a citation.

Hemrich does a thorough job on jade locations in the US and worldwide, and provides insight into carving techniques of times past. His information on cutting and polishing is of course dated.

This little 80-page booklet contains a wealth of insights. Typically, collectors who can afford to do so are advised to avoid stones with obvious inclusions; they are common in the marketplace. Of course the more perfect the stone the higher the price, routinely going into the thousands. However, Hemrich notes that certain formations of dendrites or quartz crystals can make a stone more valuable than it might be otherwise.

I’d recently seen it stated positively that there is no such thing as synthetic jade, an assertion I found doubtful, particularly since I had recently bought an alleged synthetic jade cabochon from Thailand. So, I was pleased to see Hemrich’s note: “Dr. George E. Kennedy, a geophysicist of the University of California, produced jade synthetically several years ago … (However) It is highly probably that synthetic jade will remain a laboratory curiosity for the foreseeable future.” So things stood in 1966.

Jade Pillow: the Magic Cure-All for Health Problems and Baldness

Farmers in Liaoning province in Northeastern China, have found enjoyment in having a jade pillow — just as the ancient emperors did (The Xinhua News Agency). Believe it or not, this county actually exports these jade pillows to other countries. As mentioned earlier, traditional Chinese medicine says that jade is good for one’s health. The price per pillow for this health? It costs about $30 US dollars. Who is the target audience for this jade pillow? Most of the people using jade pillows are elder or middle-aged people, for these people in China believe that the fine quality of jade will improve blood circulation to the brain and keep the central nervous system healthy (The Xinhua News Agency). Any confirmed results? A 67-year-old man in this county in China confirmed that after using the jade pillow for nearly one year, black hair started to grow on his head that had been bald for many years (The Xinhua News Agency)!

From the report: Jade and Its Historic and Modern Meanings for Trade

“Worst Year Ever” Say Myanmar Jade Traders

According to the Myanmar Times, the big problem is the absence of Chinese buyers. As mentioned elsewhere, that could be due to austerity measures in China. Or to the crackdown on black market trade. And there are other factors. The article doesn’t go into a lot of detail but notes diminished quality of material available. And there is a problem with new regulations; bidders are required to put some money up front so they won’t just walk away if they don’t like the deal.

Here is the article.