玉語

A Sliver of Light Before the Storm

2012-09-13T22:18:00.004+09:00

Peace.

It would seem that the prices for mid-range (quality) jadeite have been on a declining trend - about 30% less as compared to previous highs (in 2010/11). That positive trend - for small-time jadeite enthusiasts - will not be maintained for long as a worse tragedy is in progression around the area where jadeite is mined. Clashes between the Kachin Army and Myanmar Army will certainly herald not only higher jadeite prices, but extreme hardship for some of Burma`s peoples, and in particular the minority communities in the region.

May reconciliation, peace and prosperity be a future for the peoples of Burma.

Jadeite Bloggers Ahoy!

2010-12-29T11:29:00.004+09:00

Peace.

I came across two very valuable blogs for jadeite jade in recent days and would like to share them with whomever is interested (and for my own reference).

Since both blogger have a foot in the jade trade, they would be a great source of helpful information. jadeitejade.com is especially relevant as the blogger is an experienced jade trader. The other could be accessed here.

On another note, I heard from a Burmese jade trader friend recently, and he recounted this tale to me:
They sold a raw piece of about 6 kg of highly-translucent lavender for 19 million Euros (reserve price of 58,000 Euros).

As anybody could deduce, that was a mind-boggling price for a very small piece of raw material. The speculatory buying which the mainland Chinese are engaging in now doesn`t portend well, I think. That said, top-quality jadeite will always be valuable due to its scarcity, but at the rate the prices have been ballooning (even for less than top-quality specimens)? I think the Chinese are just spoiling the market if this continues at the rate this has been going. Still, I assume the nouveau riche in China don`t mind the prices, even if I am not sure about the rest of us.

Thank you.

Jadeite Market Heating Up

2010-10-08T09:42:00.001+09:00

While jadeite has always held an exalted position amongst other gemstones within the Chinese psyche, in recent years, jadeite has garnered even more attention - mainly as a result of the growing middle-class and newly rich in China. Even the younger generation of Chinese have started to view jade as more than their grandmother or mother`s jewellery. As a result, jadeite prices have increased exponentially within the last decade, and the prices of raw material is also reflected in this trend.

Anecdotal evidence has cash-flushed property developers financing jade merchants, and indirectly ballooning the already sky-high prices even more.

For a look at the prices for raw materials, take a look at this news report.

A Myriad of Varieties

2010-09-19T23:21:00.009+09:00

Jadeite jade comes in a multitude of varieties, and because there are no strict demarcation of the different varieties, it is possible to often find that some varieties overlap others. For great descriptions of the more commonly found jadeite jades in the market, take a look here.

Personally, I have a preference for the `glassy` and `icy` varieties of jadeite (which I can ill afford...;)....), and a particular soft spot for colourless jade within both varieties, which reminds me of the calm and reflective surface of a deep wide lake, holding the secrets of millenia within its depths.

Colourless Glassy Dragon Pendant (image courtesy of Joytec. Co, Japan)

Unique Jadeite Jade Jewellery Designs

2010-09-08T16:28:00.002+09:00

I have been following this jade blog for quite some time and would like to share this resource here. While nothing mind-blowing, the information therein is fascinating, particularly with regards to the relation between jade and chi.

That blog (via another blog) introduced a Thailand/Singapore-based designer with a new design series in jadeite, which is an astounding fusion of jadeite with innovative designs - quite different from the gold-and-diamond/precious gemstones-based designs for higher end jadeite - more compatible with modern-chic sensibilities.

These new designs are an eye-opener, and I especially love their pendants. The bangles are also very attractive and lends a refreshing twist to what is a very old jewellery form.

Personally, I much prefer the traditional-style bangles as they are extremely durable for daily wear and you can eschew the requirement to constantly take them off in order to preserve their appearance. Still, I will have to admit that these new designs would look great as daily adornment/accesory, what with their exquisite workmanship and glittering coloured stones in precious metals. I wonder whether it is possible to do something similar for a bangle of mine?

Peace.

Brief History of Jadeite Jade

2010-05-18T17:20:00.009+09:00

Jadeite jade is a latecomer in the long and illustrious history of jade as the exalted stone-of-heaven in Chinese culture. Fei cui was the name given to this beautiful new arrival in the hallowed world of jade. By most accounts, jadeite jade from Burma arrived in China during the Qing dynasty (circa late 18th century), and quickly rose to become the favoured jade stone amongst the Imperial family, and consequently, among nobles, and later, the general masses. Jadeite jade was especially favoured by the Empress Dowager Ci Xi, who was notoriously known for her love of jadeite jade (unfortunately, the treasures buried with her were looted after the Qing dynasty fell and are still lost to the public as of now).

Soong Mei Ling (the wife of Chiang Kai Shek, one time national leader of the Republic of China) was also a well-known jadeite aficionado, and glamourised jadeite for another new generation of Chinese. The regard Chinese have for jadeite jade in particular has continued till the present, with the sale of jadeite jade and other jade stones dominating the gemstones trade in China. As a portion of the Chinese economy continues to prosper, so have the price of jadeite. The price of high quality jadeite especially, has been estimated to have increased a thousand-fold from what it was in the 1930s.

Image courtesy of GuGu Jadeite, China

Notes:
There is an abundance of information with regard to jade and jadeite in the Chinese language, however, information in English is somewhat limited, hence the forthcoming contents of this page. I would like to share my love of jadeite jade and hope that those with a similar interest would be able to share them with me as well. (The content of these pages are also a personal archive of sorts, since English is a more accessible written language for me than is written Chinese).

There are a number of sites which offer excellent information on jade, comparisons of jadeite jade and nephrite, and their differences and compositions in scientific terms, as well as the kind of treatments jadeite jade can be subjected to (kindly refer to the links provided below) and I will not endeavour to repeat such information, valuable as they are. The best information about jadeite jade (in English) that I managed to come across – which does not involve thumbing through gemmology journals – was provided by Palagems. The article can be accessed here at Palagems.

Other valuable resources include information provided by Tips to Buy Jadeite, MasonKay, RoseGem, here and here.

As a common jadeite (and jade) enthusiast, I am also interested in the terms which normally govern jade trading and marketing, and which I have found to be extremely useful as an enthusiast-cum-consumer, so I will focus more on that in this series of write-ups.

If it is not self-evident for those newly initiated into the wonderful world of jadeite jade, only A Type jadeite jade is worth purchasing if what you want is jadeite which endures. A Type is the grade afforded jadeite which has not undergone any treatment (with the notable and universally accepted exception of waxing). All other categories for jadeite, whether B, C or D, indicate that the jadeite has undergone treatment, which will affect the internal structure of the jadeite, and hence its durability. For those in the market for high quality jadeite, certification stating that the jadeite is A Type jadeite from a recognised testing lab/institution should be a requirement when making any purchase. It is normally advisable to buy from shops which categorically only deal with A Type jadeite, and avoid goldsmiths if possible (although they do tell you the `grade`/type if you ask).

Next up will be a brief but concise look at the evaluation and appraisal of jadeite jade. (The links provided above have excellent reviews of the factors governing evaluation and appraisal, so, do please take a look).

Why Jadeite Jade

2010-05-17T13:57:00.031+09:00

Unique, strikingly beautiful and culturally significant, jadeite jade is all that and more.

Each piece of jadeite jewellery is wholly unparalleled in its distinctiveness, with differences amongst pieces notably discernible even with the naked eye (a bonus for someone who doesn`t own any loupe for gemstone valuation, i.e. someone like me).

Old Mine Green Chili Pendant

Jadeite is hard and durable, making it practical jewellery for daily wear (well, unless you are talking about those kryptonite-like imperial jadeite, which would not at all be suitable for daily wear unless you are those who like to advertise their wealth... okay, I do concede that many people consider jadeite a sign of their social status, so, it would be fair to say that quite a few people wear it to show off their wealth...;)...), is often of a decent size (imagine those tiny diamonds – unless you are one of those who has lying around a diamond pendant or ring with at least one carat – being lost; what are the chances of you finding it again?), but above all, jadeite is amazingly gorgeous!

To wax poetic about jadeite, I think I will use the metaphor of the moon and stars. As the children song `Twinkle twinkle little star` illustrates well, diamonds are like the stars, twinkling brilliantly in the night sky. For all its beauty, though, it could never compare to the ethereally luminous glow of the moon, which would be a fitting representation of jadeite jade. Jadeite jade, like the moon, is mesmerising.

Red Cabochon

Culturally, jade, and by extension, jadeite jade, symbolised spiritual integrity and the harmony of earth, human and heaven. No other stone or precious gemstone is as exalted as jade in Chinese culture. Jade represents all that is good on earth, humanity and the heavens, as well as believed to be able to ward of bad spirits/luck and to confer protection to its bearer. Additionally, jade has long been considered a status symbol, hence the willingness of wealth to show off itself. ;) (Oh, and it is also rare, as Burma is the only source of gem-quality jadeite around).

Icy Dragon Pendant

Now that we know a bit of `why jadeite`, let us move along to other more pertinent information about jadeite.

Disclaimer: Photos of jadeite posted on this blog are courtesy of Joytec Co., Japan. They can be found here and here.

A Quote for Contemplation...

2008-10-19T18:13:00.006+09:00

Peace!

Here is a quote I have found to be very thought provoking, and which is sorely needed in our daily lives, specifically with regard to our children and their education.

"What did you learn today?
Did you learn how to believe?
or... Did you learn how to think?"

~ Seventeen Traditions ~ by Ralph Nader

Thanks and cheers.

This Just In.....

2008-10-14T10:48:00.004+09:00

Peace!

There will be a debate between the third-party candidates for president (of the USA) at 8 p.m. Sunday (19 Oct 2008) at Columbia University in New York.

The debate, will include at least three of the four third-party candidates - independent Ralph Nader, the Green Party's Cynthia McKinney and the Constitution Party's Chuck Baldwin. Libertarian Party nominee Bob Barr has indicated that he wanted to appear only with Nader. Democratic nominee Barack Obama and Republican nominee John McCain are also invited. (We can be sure they will not be coming, though).

The third-party debate will be streamed at www.thirdpartyticket.com and will be shown on C-Span.

(Keep and eye on this).

P.S. Looking at the amount of Obama`s campaign contributions, I have always been sure that he, barring any exceptional circumstances, will be the next president of the USA. So, for those who want to vote their conscience and principals, please do. :)

Some References for Amber Jewellery Lovers

2008-10-11T00:47:00.006+09:00

Peace!

Are you looking for amber jewellery for yourself or as a gift? Well, here you have found a one-stop resource for where to find beautiful amber jewellery online. I have a long list of links to online-stores selling amber jewellery. Some are better than others, but all offer incredibly gorgeous amber jewellery. Under the category of my Favourite Websites are some of the available links to sites I frequent. Take a look if you are interested!

P.S. I don`t get any ads revenue from these stores. I am just trying to promote a love of amber, and especially amber jewellery! I have more links than those listed, so if you want to cut down on your search, just let me know and I can pass you more links. :)

May peace and happiness be upon all!

Another beginning....

2008-10-08T23:55:00.003+09:00

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. However, since I have started my own Etsy shop (can be accessed through the link in my website) and are more actively communicating with the wider world, I am hoping that I will be energised enough to blog more regularly.

May peace be upon all!

As always, I will be leaving a quote for contemplation:

`I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.` by Kahlil Gibran

IR musings: Is China a Threat?

2005-10-27T23:22:00.000+09:00

This is a question which always attracts eyes-rolling when posed to certain people. From such reactions, it would seem that the answer is obviously a `Duh! What do you think? Of course China is a threat. Can`t you see how aggressive she is?` and the list of replies goes on.

I, for one, do not see the obviousness of the threat posed by China although it is considered conventional wisdom in the international relations of East and Southeast Asia that the stability of cross-strait (Taiwan-China relations) relations is pivotal to the stability of the region. There is no doubt that should a war occur in that part of the region (or any other part, for that matter), any instability which results will be highly problematic for many.

Yet, it always rankles when China is as a matter of course projected as this natural threat which should be apparent to anybody with just a little bit of sense. Why should that be the case?
A list of states which can be considered a much bigger threat to world peace can be easily obtained, especially if one is willing to be more emphatically `objective` in one`s perspectives.

Nonetheless, it must be qualified that it is not the objective of this blog to argue that China is not a threat, which would certainly be laughable in particular contexts and frameworks.
Instead, it might be more helpful for the question to be framed as: Why is China a threat? To whom and in what contexts?

Thank you.

Idiotic first-timer...

2005-09-30T15:22:00.000+09:00

Hmm... what do you write in a blog when you have never written one before? I have absolutely no idea.
(Note to self: Work on it)

In light of this cluenessness, leaving a tiny notion of a personal worldview might be a spark of hopeful start:

`... all the history of human life has been a struggle between wisdom and stupidity... And for most of that time, wisdom has had to work in secret, whispering her words, moving like a spy through the humble places of the world while the courts and palaces are occupied by her enemies.`
(Excerpt taken from His Dark Materials: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman, Scholastic Press 2002, pg. 983)