Jadeite Is Generally Dyed To Enhance Color. Nephrite Is Also Called Jade
Jadeite Has Tranluscence, Nephrite Is Generally Opaque.
Color Enhancement Of Jadeite. Provides Good Jade At Affordable Price.
The gemological world groups jadeite and nephrite in the category of jade. Jadeite is generally more transluscent as compared to nephrite. Much brighter colors of green can be observed in jadeite as compared to nephrite. The JDN001 jade shown above is jadeite that has been dyed to enhance color. The truth is that more than 80% of the jadeite that is used in jewelry is dyed for color enhancement. The dyeing process increases the color saturation of the stone and also ensures better uniformity of color. The treatment of gems for color and clarity enhancements are widely practised for many gems, not just for jade. 99% of the tanzanite gems that reach the gems and jewelry trade are heated for color enhancement. Over 95% of the emeralds used in jewelry are treated with natural oils to increase lustre and transparency.
So if we are willing to accept the dyeing of jadeite as a normal process, we need to discuss the issue of stability of the color for dyed jade gems. In the first place, we need to understand why dyeing is done for jadeite. To understand this we need to draw a reference to the pricing of jadeite. The JDN001 jadeite gem from Kaisilver has been handpicked and custom cut, it has also gone through a thorough testing process to ensure color stability. The gem is priced at under 10 U.S$ per piece. This is cheap considering the fact that a similar jadeite that is untreated would be priced at around 800 U.S$ to 1,200 U.S$ per piece! So dyed jadeite brings this romantic and soothing gem stone within the reach of many more gem and jewelry lovers.
But the very important thing that you should know is that not all dyeing processes are the same. Gemstone lovers have sometimes being given dyed jadeite that has faded or even changed to a yellowish green color. To ensure that Kaisilver jadeite is stable for color, we have devised some very stringent processes. These are done on every single jadeite that we use or sell. The first step involves checking the gemstone and ensuring that it is infact jade. If this has been proved, the gem is soaked in water for around 48 hours. The jadeite is then taken out and inspected for color change or fade, the water is also inspected to ensure that no water soluble dye has been used to treat the jade. In the next stage, a solution of water and household toilet soap is prepared. The jadeite gemstone is soaked in this water for around 12 hours. This is to simulate a situation where, a buyer could wash hands or even have a bath while wearing the jade ring or other jade jewel. Most of us take around 20 minutes to an hour to have a bath, the 12 hour soak is therefore more than sufficient. If the gem stone passes this phase, a more rigorous test follows. The jade is then kept in the sun for around 6 hours, the test is done to ensure that light and heat exposure from the sun does not cause the color to fade. Jade gems that pass all these testing conditions are selected and included in our stock. Most jewelers do not care to perform any of these checks, the quality of your gemstone can be ensured only by choosing the right jeweler.
Now what if you need an untreated jadeite gem? We can provide this for you too, expect the price to be in the range of 500 U.S$ to 1,200 U.S$ per carat. Such untreated gems will come with a lab certificate that states their authenticity and also the fact that they have not been treated. In the case of untreated jadeite do not expect to find high color uniformity unless the size that you need is in the below 7mm to 8mm category. Even green natural jadeite can show shades of white or brown. Get more details on the JDN001 jade stone and other gems at the DirectStones resource at http://www.jade.directstones.com/jade-jadeite-gemstones-01.htm
Tags: dyed jade, dyed jadeite, green jade, green jadeite, jade, jade gem, jadeite, jadeite gemstones, untreated jade, untreated jadeite