Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Mingyuan. Having been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, I have a particular fondness for jadeite, witnessing its transformation from a traditional collectible to a sought-after investment asset. Today, I'd like to share some of my latest thoughts and insights on the current jadeite market, hoping to provide valuable references for collectors and investors.

I. Traditional Appraisal and Technological Empowerment: Dual-Core Driven Authenticity Identification

In the past, jadeite appraisal relied heavily on the experienced eyes of experts, commonly known as evaluating "zhong" (texture), "shui" (translucency), "se" (color), and "gong" (craftsmanship). These traditional methods remain the cornerstone of appraisal, and their importance is self-evident. However, with the advancement of technology and the increasing sophistication of counterfeiting techniques, relying solely on the naked eye is no longer sufficient to address all challenges.

In recent years, I've paid special attention to the application of technology in jadeite appraisal. For instance, techniques like spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Raman spectroscopy can reveal the internal structure and chemical composition of jadeite at a molecular level, accurately determining whether it has undergone "B-grade" (resin-filled), "C-grade" (dyed), or even "B+C-grade" (combined treatment) processing. I once encountered a case where a "old pit glass-like" bangle, which appeared to have excellent texture and translucency, was initially identified as A-grade by a traditional appraiser. However, Raman spectroscopy revealed traces of epoxy resin filling internally, ultimately confirming it as B-grade. This case profoundly illustrates that in today's complex and ever-changing market, combining traditional experience with high-tech methods, forming a "dual-core driven" appraisal model, is an inevitable trend to ensure the accuracy of authenticity identification. For investors, choosing appraisal institutions equipped with advanced testing equipment and requesting detailed scientific testing reports has become a necessary step to mitigate risks.

II. Market Trends: From "Color-Centric" to "Comprehensive Value Theory"

For a long time, there was a "color-centric" tendency in the jadeite market, meaning that the richer and more uniform the green color of the jadeite, the higher its value. While this certainly has its merits, with the maturation of market aesthetics and investment philosophies, I've observed a new trend emerging – the "Comprehensive Value Theory."

The "Comprehensive Value Theory" emphasizes the overall aesthetic value and rarity of jadeite, rather than just a single color. It encompasses multiple dimensions, including texture, translucency, color, craftsmanship, theme, form, and historical and cultural background. For example, a colorless glass-like jadeite with excellent texture, translucency, iridescence, and a strong gelatinous feel, even without green color, might have a value far exceeding an ordinary jadeite with a mediocre color but some green. Similarly, a piece of ice-grade "floating flower" jadeite carving by a renowned artist, with a unique theme and profound symbolism, will have its artistic and cultural added value drive its price far above a plain jadeite of similar texture and color.

I once participated in an auction where a Qing Dynasty imperial jadeite carving, whose green color was not top-tier, commanded a final price far exceeding expectations due to its exquisite craftsmanship, unique theme, and deep historical and cultural heritage. This is a perfect embodiment of the "Comprehensive Value Theory." For investors, this means that when choosing jadeite, one should not solely focus on the green color, but learn to appreciate the overall beauty of the jadeite and uncover its inherent cultural and artistic value. This is where the future potential of jadeite investment lies.

III. Investment Strategy: From "Blind Chasing" to "Rational Allocation"

In the past, the jadeite investment market often saw "blind chasing" phenomena, especially for some popular varieties, where prices were artificially inflated. However, every market has its intrinsic laws, and the jadeite market is no exception. My advocated investment strategy is "rational allocation."

The core of "rational allocation" lies in diversifying risks and choosing different grades of jadeite for investment based on one's financial strength and risk tolerance.

  • Core Assets: Select high-quality, rare, top-tier jadeite, such as old pit glass-like, imperial green, and high ice-grade vibrant green. These types of jadeite possess strong value preservation and appreciation capabilities, serving as the anchor of an investment portfolio. However, their high prices demand substantial capital.


  • Growth Assets: Focus on mid-to-high-end jadeite, such as ice-grade and glutinous ice-grade varieties like "qing shui" (clear water), "lan shui" (blue water), lavender, and yellow jadeite. These types of jadeite have significant appreciation potential in the future, and their prices are relatively more accessible, suitable for medium to long-term holding. For example, lavender jadeite has seen continuous market value growth in recent years due to its unique romantic color and rarity.


  • Potential Stocks: Pay attention to jadeite with unique craftsmanship, cultural connotations, or from newly discovered mining areas. The current market value of these jadeites might not be high, but if one can accurately judge their future trends, they could yield extraordinary returns. Of course, this requires investors to possess stronger professional knowledge and market insight.


I advise investors to do their homework, learn extensively, and engage in discussions when allocating jadeite. It is crucial to avoid blindly following trends. Investing in jadeite, much like appreciating life, requires patience, vision, and wisdom.

Summary and Recommendations:

The current jadeite market is in a period of transformation, with both challenges and opportunities. For investors, grasping the following points is crucial:

  • Adhere to Scientific Appraisal: Combine traditional experience with modern technology to ensure the authenticity of purchased jadeite.


  • Establish a Comprehensive Value Concept: Move beyond the "color-centric" view and comprehensively evaluate the overall value of jadeite, including its texture, translucency, color, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.


  • Implement a Rational Allocation Strategy: Diversify investments reasonably according to personal circumstances and build a stable jadeite investment portfolio.


  • Continuous Learning and Communication: The knowledge of jadeite is vast, and the market is constantly changing. Only by continuously learning can one keep pace with the times.


  • Choose Reputable Merchants and Appraisal Institutions: This is the first step in safeguarding investment security.


Jadeite is a gift from nature and a treasure of Eastern culture. Investing in jadeite is not just about accumulating wealth; it is also a legacy of aesthetics, culture, and history. May all collectors and investors in the world of jadeite seize opportunities and reap their own brilliance and eternity. Thank you all!