Jade is a beautiful and valuable gemstone that has been prized by humans for centuries. It has been used in jewelry, art, and even as a form of currency. There are many different types of jade, but some are more valuable than others. In this article, we will explore the most expensive jade in the world.
What is Jade?
Jade is a mineral that is made up of two different stones: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is a softer stone and is found in many locations around the world, including China, Russia, and New Zealand. Jadeite, on the other hand, is a much harder stone and is only found in a few locations, primarily in Burma (Myanmar). Jadeite is considered to be the more valuable of the two stones.
The Value of Jade
The value of jade is determined by several factors, including its color, clarity, and size. The most valuable jade is translucent and has a rich green color. Other colors of jade, such as white, yellow, and lavender, are also valuable but not as highly prized as green jade.
In addition to its color, the quality of the jade can also affect its value. Jade with fewer inclusions or flaws is generally more valuable than jade with visible flaws. The size of the jade can also impact its value, with larger pieces being more rare and therefore more valuable.
The Most Expensive Jade in the World
There have been many examples of extremely valuable jade throughout history, but the following are some of the most expensive pieces of jade ever sold:
The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace
The Hutton-Mdivani necklace is a piece of jade jewelry that was sold at auction in 2014 for $27.4 million. The necklace features 27 translucent jadeite beads, each of which is the size of a small egg. The beads are strung together with diamonds and rubies, creating an intricate and beautiful piece of jewelry.
The necklace was originally owned by Barbara Hutton, an American heiress who was known for her extravagant lifestyle. She purchased the necklace in 1933 and wore it to various events throughout her life. After her death, the necklace was passed down through several owners before being sold at auction in 2014.
The Imperial Jade Seal of the Qing Dynasty
The Imperial Jade Seal of the Qing Dynasty is a small but incredibly valuable piece of jade. The seal was created during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and was used by the emperor to stamp official documents. It is made from a single piece of white jade and features intricate carvings of dragons and other imperial symbols.
The seal was kept in the Forbidden City in Beijing until 1915, when it was stolen by a group of thieves. It disappeared for several years before resurfacing in Japan, where it was purchased by a wealthy collector. In 2002, the seal was sold at auction in Hong Kong for $9.3 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of jade ever sold.
The Moussaieff Red
The Moussaieff Red is a large, rare red diamond that was discovered in Brazil in 1990. The diamond weighs 5.11 carats and is set in a ring made from platinum and gold. The diamond is surrounded by pink diamonds and is considered to be one of the most valuable pieces of jewelry in the world.
The ring was purchased by London jeweler Moussaieff in 2001 for an undisclosed amount. However, experts estimate that the ring is worth more than $20 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of jade ever sold.
The Black Jade Buddha
The Black Jade Buddha is a large statue of Buddha that is carved from a single piece of black jade. The statue stands 8 feet tall and weighs over 4 tons. It was created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is considered to be one of the most valuable pieces of jade in the world.
The Buddha was purchased by Stanley Ho, a wealthy businessman from Macau, in 2010 for $16.2 million. The statue is now on display at the MGM Macau casino, where visitors can view its intricate carvings and beautiful black color.
Is purple jade rare?
Purple jade is considered rare and highly valued among collectors and enthusiasts. While some varieties of jade are more common, such as white or green jade, purple jade is less frequently found in nature and can be quite expensive. The rarity of purple jade is due to the specific geological conditions required for its formation, which are not as common as those for other types of jade. Additionally, the demand for purple jade has increased in recent years, further contributing to its scarcity in the market.
Conclusion
Jade is a valuable and prized gemstone that has been used in jewelry and art for centuries. While there are many different types of jade, some are more valuable than others. The most valuable jade is translucent and has a rich green color, although other colors of jade can also be valuable.
There have been many examples of extremely valuable jade throughout history, including the Hutton-Mdivani necklace, the Imperial Jade Seal of the Qing Dynasty, the Moussaieff Red, and the Black Jade Buddha. These pieces of jade are worth millions of dollars and are considered to be some of the most valuable items in the world.
