Hello everyone, I am Zhang Mingyuan. Having dedicated over thirty years to the jade industry, I have witnessed jadeite transform from an exclusive plaything of ancient royalty and nobility to a popular choice for public collection and investment today. Over these years, the market has undergone significant changes, yet the allure of jadeite has never faded. Today, I want to discuss with you how we can approach jadeite authentication and investment more professionally and rationally in this new era.

I. Traditional Authentication and Technological Empowerment: The Indispensable "Dual-Core" Drive

In the past, jadeite authentication relied heavily on experience. Veteran experts, with their "eyesight," "feel," and "auditory sense," could make remarkably accurate judgments on a jadeite's texture, color, and flaws. The transmission of this experience is invaluable and forms a crucial part of jadeite culture. However, with the increasing sophistication of counterfeiting techniques, B-grade, C-grade, and even B+C-grade jadeite have become rampant, sometimes rendering traditional authentication methods inadequate.

I have always emphasized that in this new era, we must combine traditional authentication with modern technology. The traditional "look, touch, weigh, listen" methods are fundamental; they help us establish the most intuitive understanding of jadeite. For instance, observing the "fly wings" (翠性) and "orange peel effect" (橘皮效应) of jadeite, feeling its cool touch and substantial weight, are all visible and tangible criteria for distinguishing authenticity.

However, deeper authentication, especially the identification of treated jadeite, is inseparable from technological empowerment. Professional instruments such as infrared spectrometers, Raman spectrometers, and UV fluorescent lamps can precisely analyze the internal structure and chemical composition of jadeite, revealing whether it has undergone acid washing, resin injection, dyeing, or other treatments. I once encountered a case where a "Lao Kang Glass Jadeite" bangle, seemingly of excellent texture and clarity, appeared almost perfect to the naked eye. Yet, infrared spectroscopy clearly showed absorption peaks of organic resin, ultimately confirming it as B-grade. This case profoundly illustrates that technological authentication is a powerful complement to traditional experience and serves as the last line of defense for protecting consumer rights.

Therefore, for collectors and investors, choosing a certificate issued by a national-accredited jewelry testing institution is a vital safeguard to mitigate risks and ensure authenticity. Simultaneously, it is essential to learn from experienced experts to enhance one's discerning eye and gain a clear understanding.

II. The Evolution of Investment Logic: From "Blind Chasing Highs" to "Value Regression"

The investment value of jadeite has experienced a roller-coaster ride in recent years. In previous years, the market saw a phenomenon of "blindly chasing highs," where even jadeite of mediocre quality was inflated in price due to speculative hype. However, with changes in the economic situation and strengthened market regulation, this irrational boom is gradually fading, and jadeite investment is returning to its essence – value investing.

I personally believe that jadeite investment in the new era should adhere to the following core principles:

  • Quality is King, Scarcity is the Hard Truth:


Investing in any asset ultimately returns to its intrinsic value. For jadeite, quality is the fundamental determinant of its value. Jadeite with excellent texture and clarity (glass jadeite, ice jadeite), pure color (imperial green, vibrant green), exquisite carving, and no significant flaws, its scarcity determines its potential for preservation and appreciation. Especially those top-grade jadeite pieces suitable for collection, their extremely limited quantity ensures significant future value appreciation. For example, an "old pit glass jadeite imperial green" cabochon, even if expensive, its scarcity and aesthetic value dictate its high collection and investment value at any time.

  • Focus on Cultural Connotation and Design Innovation:


Jadeite is not merely a mineral; it is an important carrier of Chinese culture. Investing in jadeite also requires attention to its cultural connotation and artistic value. Jadeite works that incorporate traditional cultural elements and possess unique design concepts often command higher added value. For instance, jadeite ornaments or pendants created by renowned jade carving masters, featuring unique themes and auspicious meanings, may even have artistic value surpassing the intrinsic value of the material itself.

  • Long-Term Holding, Avoid Short-Term Speculation:


The growth in jadeite value is often a slow and steady process. It is not a stock and is not suitable for short-term speculation. True jadeite investors should adopt a long-term perspective, aiming to hold high-quality jadeite and enjoy the value appreciation it brings over time. Market fluctuations are normal, but the value of high-quality jadeite can transcend cycles.

  • Risk Control and Diversified Allocation:


All investments come with risks. For jadeite investment, in addition to authentication risks, there are market risks. It is advisable for investors not to put all their eggs in one basket. Consider jadeite investment as part of an asset allocation strategy, combining it with other investment categories to diversify risks. Simultaneously, invest within your means and avoid blind borrowing for investment.

III. Future Outlook and My Advice

Looking ahead, I firmly believe that the jadeite market will become more mature and regulated. With the increasing knowledge of consumers and the widespread adoption of technological authentication, acts of passing off inferior goods as superior or counterfeiting will have nowhere to hide. Genuine high-quality jadeite will gain greater market recognition and value regression.

For friends aspiring to enter the field of jadeite collection and investment, my advice is:

First, learn more, observe more, and ask more. Learning the basics of jadeite, understanding market trends, and consulting experienced experts are essential steps to getting started.

Second, start with entry-level pieces and progress gradually. Do not immediately pursue extremely expensive, top-grade pieces. You can begin with some cost-effective, decent-quality jadeite to accumulate experience.

Third, choose reputable merchants or platforms. When purchasing jadeite, trust is paramount. Selecting merchants with a good reputation and who provide professional authentication certificates can significantly reduce risks.

Fourth, remain rational and do not blindly follow trends. The market will always have various voices, but the ultimate decision-making power lies with you. Stick to your judgment and do not be swayed by hype.

Jadeite, this treasure from nature, carries the weight of history and embodies the essence of culture. It is not only a beautiful ornament but also an artwork worth passing down and a potential investment. May we all, with a professional eye and a rational attitude, find our own "wealth" and "elegance" in this fascinating world of jadeite.

Thank you all.