Jade Treatments - Acceptability
To discuss just how acceptable various jade treatments are, we will need to understand the main treatments that can be applied to jade. Let us first talk about the need to treat jade gemstones. Jade as a gem includes two stone types, jadeite and nephrite. When buying jade gems buyers check out a few essential criteria. If the decision was to buy a green jade gem - the color element is essential. A good green, that is evenly spread all through the gem would be highly desirable. Fissures (cracks) in the internal structure of the gem might not be totally absent but, you do not want a jade gem where the fissures reach the surface of the gem. When looking at a cut and polished jade gem, it is best for the surface of the gem not to show, holes or pits. The problem with most of the jade mined is that, a fine uniform color spread is indeed very rare. And if you do manage to come across a jade gemstone which was naturally found with a good color all through the gem, you would have to pay a hefty premium for the gemstone. Jade treatments are applied to get take of the visibility of some or all of the, flaws that might exist in the gem in natural form. In general you could say that, treated jade with a good appearance, brings affordable and gorgeous jade gems to a wider range of gem lovers. Now whether a specific form of jade treatment is acceptable or not would depend, on the stability of the treatment and also what exactly it does to the jade that was treated by the process. Let us know talk about the popular types of gem treatment that are applied to jade gemstones.Dyeing Jade: You might be surprised to know that more than 80% of the jade that is released into the gems and jewelry markets, is dyed to enhance the color and overall appearance of the gem. This form of jade treatment has gained wide acceptance for a few important reasons. Ths treatment is stable and does not reduce the toughness of the jade. The treatment should ideally be applied to jade gems that only have a color flaw. Since the treatment does not attempt to fill fissures or seal surface pits or holes, it a mere cosmetic change to the gemstone. The important thing is that dyed jade makes available, good looking natural jade gems with a fine color spread at an affordable price.
Fissure Filled Jade: Some of you might refer to this treatment as jade impregnation. This form of jade treatment is done on jade that has a large number of fissures, some of which could extend to the surface of the gemstone too. Resolving issues like surface pits and gashes, is also the job of the fissure filling process. As you might have guessed, the quality of jade that is put through this process is much lower than that could be handled through the jade dyeing process. Fissure filling is done using resin, or plastics or silica based compounds. It is not uncommon for fissure filled jade to be put through the gem dyeing process too. This jade is valued much lower than jade that has only been dyed or jade that, has not been enhanced at all. Fissure filled jade also has a reduction in toughness. While all gem treatments should ideally be disclosed to the buyer, this is one treatment where witholding information from the buyer is very unethical.
Waxing Of Jade: This is superficial treatment for jade and as expected is quite unstable. A piece of cut, shaped and polished jade is rubbed with wax which, forms a thin layer (coating) on the stone. This would add a sheen to the jade, and also cover surface blemishes in the form of pits, holes and fissures. Heat and many other elements, could affect the wax coating on jade. Basically the gem might even require special care and caution. Some gem manufacturers use a color base in the wax, to provide some improvement in the jade color. We would suggest that you do not go for waxed jade if, the overall condition of the original gem (before treatment) cannot be definitely assessed.
Jade Left Untreated: People who believe in the special powers of gems including jade feel that, a gem that is left in it's natural form is more effective in it's role. Such buyers can fulfill their desire for jade that is not treated if, they are not keen on getting the best 'looking' piece of jade. But if you have a substantial budget allocation for your purchase, you can find an untreated jade gemstone that looks awesome too. Since such a jade gem would be quite expensive we would suggest that, you insist on the seller providing a gem authentication certificate. The certificate should at the minimum state that, the jade is natural and that it has been left without any external enhancement. The seller might expect you to bear the certification fees, do it as it is worth the amount spent.
We do hope that the above information related to jade has enlightened you with some new facts and ideas. There is plenty of jade and jade jewelry around, we are not the only provider of such merchandise. We urge you to read and understand this report and then make your buying decision with any jeweler that you feel comfortable with. We will be satisfied if you get a good item at the right price.
Related Resources: Jade Jewelry