Having collected jade for thirty years, from a naive youth to being respectfully called an 'old expert' by peers, I believe I have gained considerable experience in jade appreciation and collection. However, even the most seasoned veterans inevitably have moments of being 'blinded' or making mistakes. Today, I want to share with you some of the unforgettable 'blinded' lessons from my collecting career, hoping to help everyone avoid pitfalls and detours.

Scene Introduction:
I remember it was twenty years ago when I was instantly captivated by a piece of 'old pit glass-type jadeite' at an antique exchange fair. That jadeite was vividly emerald green, full of luster, as if water could be squeezed out of it. The seller swore it was a family heirloom, and the price was naturally high. At that time, I was young and impetuous, blinded by the 'beauty' of that jadeite, and swayed by the seller's exaggerated 'story.' I eventually bought it with more than half a year's savings. After happily returning home, I eagerly showed it to a more senior expert. The expert just glanced at it and calmly said, 'Young man, this is not old pit glass-type; it's B+C grade, dyed and glued.' At that moment, my heart felt like it was pierced by a needle, completely chilled. This was my first and most painful 'blinded' experience in my collecting career.

Core Techniques: How to Avoid Being 'Blinded'?

  • Look more, buy less; learn first, then collect: This is the first golden rule I learned from bitter experience. Do not easily make a purchase before developing your independent appraisal system. Visit museums and professional exhibitions more often, observe genuine pieces, and feel the warmth, luster, and structure of jade. At the same time, read professional books to understand the origin, types, history, and craftsmanship of jade. I was too eager for quick success and lacked sufficient knowledge, which led me to be deceived by appearances.


  • Observe with eyes and touch with hands; details determine success or failure:

* Luster: Natural jadeite mostly has a vitreous luster, while Hetian jade often has an oily luster. B+C grade jadeite often has a dull luster, even a waxy feel. My 'glass-type' at that time, although seemingly lustrous, upon closer inspection, the luster was superficial, lacking the inherent spiritual glow of natural jade.
* Structure: Observe the internal structure of jade with a magnifying glass. The structure of natural jade is naturally formed, with its unique texture and crystal arrangement. B+C grade jadeite, under a magnifying glass, will show acid-etched mesh patterns, colloidal fillers, and other non-natural traces. Later, when I examined that 'glass-type' with a magnifying glass, I indeed saw dense mesh patterns, which were traces of acid washing.
* Feel: Natural jade feels warm, delicate, and has a substantial weight. Fake jade may feel cold, rough, or even light. At that time, I only focused on the color and did not carefully feel the texture, which was a major mistake.
* Sound: Gently tap the jade. Natural jade will produce a clear and pleasant sound, while B+C grade may sound dull.

  • Beware of 'story jade' and 'bargain hunting mentality': Many scammers fabricate various touching 'stories' to package fake jade, such as 'family heirloom,' 'excavated,' 'masterpiece,' etc. My first 'blinded' experience was falling into the trap of a 'family heirloom.' At the same time, don't always think about 'finding a bargain'; there's no such thing as a free lunch. Genuine exquisite pieces are eagerly sought after by experts, and it's unlikely you'll easily stumble upon a cheap one.


  • Communicate more with experts and humbly seek advice: On the path of collecting, make more like-minded friends and senior experts, and seek their advice. Their experience and discernment are your best teachers. The reason I was able to gradually grow later was largely due to the guidance of my seniors.


Precautions:
* Do not easily trust certificates: The current market is flooded with various certificates, and some appraisal agencies issue false certificates for profit. Certificates can only serve as a reference; ultimately, you must trust your own judgment.
* Avoid impulsive purchases: When you encounter a desirable piece of jade, calm down, verify it from multiple sources, and don't pay impulsively.
* Understand market conditions: Have a general understanding of the market prices of different jades to avoid buying low-value items at high prices.

Experience Summary:
Being 'blinded' is not terrible; what's terrible is not learning from it. Every 'blinded' experience is a valuable learning opportunity that allows you to more deeply understand your shortcomings, thereby walking more steadily and further on the future collecting path. Jade collection is a discipline, and even more so, a practice. It requires patience, meticulousness, perseverance, and an insatiable desire to learn. May my 'blood and tears history' illuminate a path for fellow collectors in the world of jade, helping them avoid detours and acquire true treasures.

Finally, I want to say that the joy of collecting is not just about owning precious jade, but also about the process of learning, appreciating, and communicating with fellow enthusiasts. I wish everyone can find their own peace and joy in the world of jade.