Title: A New Era of Jadeite Investment: Dispelling the Fog, Foresight into the Future

Hello everyone, I am Zhang Mingyuan. Having been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, I have 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 want to share some of my latest thoughts on current jadeite appraisal and investment, hoping to help everyone dispel the fog and gain foresight into the future.

I. Market Trends: From "Jadeite is Treasure" to "Diverse Value"

In the past, the prevailing view in the jadeite market was "jadeite is treasure," meaning only jadeite reaching the "glassy texture, imperial green" level possessed true investment value. This notion, to some extent, inflated the prices of top-tier jadeite but also undervalued many high-quality, yet not top-tier, pieces.

However, in recent years, I've observed a significant shift: the market's valuation of jadeite is moving from a singular standard of "texture, translucency, color, and craftsmanship" to "diverse value." This includes:

• Return of Cultural Value: More and more people are beginning to focus on the traditional cultural connotations carried by jadeite, such as auspicious meanings and historical heritage. Some jadeite pieces with unique cultural backgrounds or carving themes, even if their texture and translucency are not top-tier, are highly sought after due to their added cultural value. For example, I once saw a Qing Dynasty old-mine jadeite hand-piece, whose texture was merely waxy, but its exquisite bas-relief craftsmanship and rich historical aura made its transaction price far exceed that of new-mine jadeite of equivalent texture.

• Highlighting Artistic Value: The rise of contemporary jadeite carving artists has transformed jadeite from merely a gemstone into a work of art. Their creations incorporate modern aesthetics and innovative concepts, perfectly blending the natural beauty of jadeite with human artistry. The value of such works, beyond the material of the jadeite itself, lies in the artist's creativity and skill. I once invested in a young carver's "Zen" series; at the time, market acceptance was low, but a few years later, as the artist gained renown, the value of the works soared.

• Rarity and Uniqueness: In addition to the traditional rarity of "old-mine material," the market is now also paying attention to jadeite with unique geological or origin characteristics. For instance, some jadeite with special associated minerals or unique patterns, even if their texture and translucency are average, are favored by collectors due to their unparalleled rarity.

In the field of appraisal, with the advancement of technology, various high-tech detection instruments are emerging, providing more precise means for authenticating jadeite. For example, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy can effectively distinguish natural jadeite from B-grade and C-grade jadeite.

However, I always believe that technology is an aid, but experience is the core. Instruments can only tell you the physical and chemical properties of jadeite, but they cannot tell you its aesthetic value, cultural value, and market value. True appraisal requires combining scientific data with years of practical experience.

I once encountered such a case: a jadeite bangle, instrument testing showed it to be natural A-grade, but an experienced expert could tell at a glance that it had too many cotton-like inclusions and a greyish base, significantly reducing its market value. Conversely, some jadeite, while not perfect in certain indicators, has excellent overall harmony, luster, and wearing effect. This requires appraisers to possess profound aesthetic judgment and keen insight into market trends.

Therefore, my view is: future jadeite appraisal will be a perfect combination of technological empowerment and experiential inheritance. The younger generation of appraisers needs to master the latest technological means, while also humbly learning from their elders, inheriting the unquantifiable "eye" and "feel."

III. Investment Strategy: Returning to Rationality, Grasping Trends

Regarding investment, I advise everyone to return to rationality and avoid blind following. Here are a few investment strategies I have summarized:

• Deep Learning, Enhance Cognition: To invest in jadeite, one must first become a semi-expert. Understand the origin, types, appraisal knowledge, and market conditions of jadeite. Only with professional knowledge reserves can one make informed judgments.

• Focus on Mid-to-High-End Boutiques: Top-tier jadeite is prohibitively expensive for ordinary investors. While low-end jadeite is cheap, its appreciation potential is limited. I suggest focusing on mid-to-high-end boutiques, which are jadeite pieces with excellent texture, translucency, color, and craftsmanship, but whose prices have not yet reached astronomical levels. Such jadeite has good potential for value preservation and appreciation. For example, ice-grade or high-ice-grade positive green, clear water, and blue water jadeite, if exquisitely carved, are often excellent investment targets.

• Emphasize Cultural and Artistic Value: As mentioned earlier, jadeite with unique cultural connotations or artistic value has considerable appreciation potential. When choosing, pay more attention to works with stories and auspicious meanings, or artworks by renowned carvers.

• Long-Term Holding, Avoid Short-Term Speculation: The growth in jadeite value is a slow and steady process. Investing in jadeite should focus on long-term holding, not short-term speculation. Attempts to profit quickly through short-term buying and selling often carry huge risks.

• Choose Reliable Channels: When purchasing jadeite, always choose reputable merchants or platforms and request authoritative appraisal certificates. Avoid purchasing through irregular channels to prevent being deceived.

The jadeite market is undergoing profound changes, with both challenges and opportunities. For investors, this represents both risk and potential. I advise everyone to:

First, maintain enthusiasm for learning, constantly update your knowledge system, and adapt to market changes.

Second, cultivate independent thinking, do not blindly follow, and form your own investment judgment.

Third, embrace technology, but even more, cherish experience, integrating both.

Fourth, return to the essence of jadeite – beauty and culture, choosing with an appreciative eye and investing with a long-term perspective.

I believe that as long as we maintain a professional and rational attitude, we will surely find our own "precious jade affinity" in this new era of jadeite investment. Thank you all!