Whether you are searching for a piece of jewelry, or simply a piece of Asian art, you may want to consider purchasing antique jade jewelry. These pieces are beautiful and unique, and their rich color is one of their most appealing characteristics. In addition to its dazzling colors, jade is also extremely durable, allowing it to be carved into magnificent jewels and other object art. Its opacity, or opaqueness, enhances its beauty and makes them particularly desirable as collectibles.

White jade is the most commonly found variety and has a waxy appearance. This variety is rare and often contains internal cracks and vein-like fibres. It is more dense and translucent than its red counterpart, which is considered the finest. It is important to understand the characteristics of each type of jade and the factors that determine its quality. When purchasing antique white jade, look for a piece with a glossy finish and small notches along the outer edge.

Another important factor to consider when choosing antique jade is its condition. Many pieces will have internal cracks, and you should be able to clearly see them if you use a flashlight. You should also make sure to buy the piece from a collection that has been carefully selected. This can ensure its quality and authenticity. If you want to buy an antique jade carving, you may want to start by learning the history of these beautiful, rare stones.

When buying antique jade, you should consider the type of jade that you are looking for. You may not be able to afford a massive chunky Qing carving, but a few inexpensive items can be equally stunning. If you're new to collecting jade, you might want to consider smaller items instead of larger ones. For instance, a series of zodiac animal carvings was produced in the 18th century by an imperial Qing workshop. These pieces were no more than three inches tall, but they exemplified the techniques of the craftsmen and the emperor's taste.

Once you've chosen the type of jade you're interested in, you'll need to decide what you want to buy. You can spend as much as $1500 on a single piece of antique jade, depending on how elaborate it is. It's important to think about the size of the piece, as it will affect its value. You should also consider the color. If you're a fan of the ancient Chinese language, then it's a good idea to learn some Chinese.

When it comes to choosing the type of jade, there are many different factors that affect its value. A high-quality piece of jade is usually untreated, meaning that it has not been treated with chemicals. The treatment process will affect its durability and will reduce the value of the piece. For example, untreated jade is considered Grade A jade. Other types of jade are filled with resin, and grade A jade is also called natural color.

The quality of antique jade is determined by its colour. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, it is rare to find jade that is white. However, it's possible to find smaller pieces of jade that are of high quality. The size of a piece of antique jade is not necessarily an issue. While a chunky Qing carving may fetch half a million dollars, a more delicate piece of antique nephrite is a good choice for a first-time collector.

When it comes to buying antique jade beads, make sure you choose a piece that is handmade. These items are made of a variety of materials and can vary significantly in quality, but the most common is nephrite jade. These stones are made of white jade, but they are also available in green and yellow nephrite varieties. A high-quality green jadeite will have a smooth finish.

While it is rare to find antique jade, it is worth investing in a piece of Chinese art. These pieces are often intricately carved and display an artist's skills, which makes them highly desirable. Their value is usually higher than those of their counterparts. It is also important to remember that not all pieces of antique jade are identical. Some items may have been made in different countries, or have slight variations in shape. If you are unsure, it's best to seek advice from a professional.