Jade is a beautiful and highly valued gemstone that has been used in jewelry and decorative arts for centuries. It is a hard and dense stone that can be found in a range of colors, including green, white, lavender, yellow, and red. Unfortunately, due to its high value, there are many counterfeit jade pieces on the market. This article will provide some tips on how to tell real jade from fake.
Know the types of jade
There are two types of jade, jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is considered the more valuable of the two and can be found in a range of colors including green, lavender, and blue. Nephrite is typically found in shades of green or brown.
Check for color consistency
Real jade will have a consistent color throughout the piece. If the piece has patches of different colors or if the color appears to be painted on, it is likely fake.
Look for natural imperfections
Real jade will have natural imperfections such as small cracks or inclusions. If the piece appears to be perfect, it may be fake.
Check the density
Jade is a dense stone that will feel heavy in your hand. If the piece feels light, it may be fake.
Do a scratch test
Jade is a hard stone that will not scratch easily. Try scratching the surface of the jade with a sharp object such as a knife or piece of glass. If the surface scratches easily, it may be fake.
Look for translucency
Real jade will have a certain level of translucency, meaning that you should be able to see through it to some degree. If the piece is completely opaque, it may be fake.
Seek expert opinion
If you are still unsure whether your jade is real or fake, seek the opinion of an expert. A gemologist or a reputable jeweler should be able to tell you whether your jade is authentic or not.
In conclusion, when purchasing jade, it is important to be aware of the potential for counterfeit pieces. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of identifying real jade and avoid spending money on a fake.
