Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Mingyuan. I've been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, with a particular passion for jadeite. Over these years, I've witnessed the dramatic shifts in the jadeite market and personally participated in countless appraisal and investment decisions. Today, I'd like to share my latest thoughts on current jadeite appraisal and investment, hoping to clear up any confusion and provide guidance.

I. The New Market Normal: Coexistence of High-Quality Scarcity and Ubiquitous Common Goods

In recent years, the jadeite market has undergone a profound adjustment. The impact of the pandemic and changes in the economic landscape have made many investors more cautious. However, what we're seeing simultaneously is a bifurcated market: truly high-quality, rare jadeite continues to hold its value, even reaching new highs; while mid-to-low-grade, common jadeite faces significant inventory pressure, with prices steadily declining.

I believe this new normal has formed due to several key reasons:

  • Resource Depletion: The mining volume of rough Burmese jadeite is decreasing year by year, with high-quality rough being extremely rare. Scarcity drives value, an eternal truth.


  • Aesthetic Upgrades: As consumers' cultural literacy and economic power increase, their aesthetic demands for jadeite become more discerning. They increasingly favor collecting exquisite pieces with artistic value and rarity.


  • Information Transparency: In the internet age, information spreads rapidly, and consumers have more channels to acquire knowledge. Their understanding of jadeite has improved, and they no longer blindly follow trends.


II. New Appraisal Challenges: The Integration of Technology and Traditional Experience

Against the backdrop of a bifurcated market, jadeite appraisal faces unprecedented challenges. On one hand, counterfeiting methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. B-grade, C-grade, B+C-grade, and even D-grade (such as dyed quartzite) jadeite are rampant, deterring many newcomers. On the other hand, technological advancements also provide new tools for appraisal.

My view is that future jadeite appraisal must be a perfect integration of traditional experience and modern technology.

  • Traditional Experience as the Foundation: The feel, visual inspection, sound, and light observation – these "signature skills" of older generation appraisers will never become obsolete. A comprehensive judgment of jadeite's "zhong" (texture/transparency), color, texture, and craftsmanship requires long-term practical accumulation. For example, the fluorescence and gelatinous luster of a good "glassy" jadeite are difficult for any instrument to fully simulate.


  • Technology as a Powerful Tool: Modern instruments such as infrared spectrometers, Raman spectrometers, and UV fluorescent lamps can accurately detect the internal structure and chemical composition of jadeite, effectively identifying treatments like filling and dyeing. For instance, infrared spectroscopy can clearly detect the absorption peak of epoxy resin in B-grade jadeite.


  • Case Sharing: I once encountered a "flawless" imperial green bangle. To the naked eye, it was almost impeccable. However, based on years of experience, I always felt its luster was a bit "unnatural" or "oily," lacking the gentle warmth. After infrared spectroscopy, it was indeed found to have trace amounts of resin filling. Although the treatment was extremely subtle, its value was significantly reduced. This is a classic example of combining traditional experience with technology.


III. New Investment Strategies: Balancing Value Investment and Risk Control

In the face of a complex and ever-changing market, jadeite investment requires even more rationality and wisdom. I have summarized the following investment strategies:

  • Focus on Exquisite Pieces, Prioritize Quality over Quantity: When investing in jadeite, one must focus on exquisite pieces that boast excellent "zhong," color, and craftsmanship, as well as unique themes. These not only have higher potential for appreciation and value preservation but are also more resilient to risks during market downturns. I often say, buying one exquisite piece is better than buying ten common ones.


  • Pay Attention to Special Features, Uncover Potential: Besides traditional imperial green and glassy jadeite, some unique jadeite varieties, such as lavender, yellow jadeite, and high-quality black jadeite (mok cui), also hold great investment potential. Their rarity and uniqueness are often underestimated, and once market recognition increases, their value can rise rapidly.


  • Acquire Professional Knowledge, Enhance Appreciation Skills: The biggest taboo in jadeite investment is blindly following trends and believing one-sided claims. Investors must actively learn professional knowledge about jadeite, understanding its origin, types, appraisal methods, and market conditions, to cultivate their own aesthetic judgment and discernment.


  • Beware of "Concept Hype": There are always some merchants in the market who hype various new concepts, such as "old pit material" or "high ice grade," but these are often undeserved. Investors should maintain a clear mind and return to the inherent quality of the jadeite itself.


  • Seek Reliable Channels, Build Trusting Relationships: Choosing reputable and experienced dealers or appraisal institutions for transactions is a crucial step in mitigating risks. Establishing long-term cooperative relationships can provide you with more professional advice and higher quality sources.


IV. Conclusion and Outlook

Jadeite, as the "King of Jade," with its unique charm and profound cultural heritage, dictates its eternal value. However, the market is dynamic, and investment is complex.

My advice is:

  • Always prioritize learning and continuously improve your appreciation skills.


  • Adhere to the philosophy of value investing, and do not blindly pursue short-term profits.


  • Make good use of technological tools to supplement traditional appraisal and improve accuracy.


  • Maintain rationality and be wary of market bubbles and false information.


I believe that as long as we uphold our love and reverence for jadeite, with a professional eye and rigorous attitude, in this new era of jadeite investment, we will surely be able to discern the genuine from the fake, strategize for the future, and harvest our own brilliance and eternity. Thank you all!