Auspicious Jadeite

Jadeite, called feicui in Chinese, is highly prized by discerning collectors around the world.

The rare mineral －the tougher and more highly valued form of jade － is usually emerald or light green in colour and is often used as a gem for ornamental carvings.

In China in particular, jadeite is regarded as an auspicious item closely associated with good fortune. Popular patterns include bats, fish, lotus, monkeys and Chinese fungus.

Bats, or bianfu in Chinese, are regarded as auspicious because of the phonetic similarity of the word with the phrase for good fortune . Peaches and magic fungus signify fortune and longevity while lotus and fish symbolize year-on-year surplus. There are literally scores of symbolic meanings which can be read into jadeite patterns, making them a great choice of gift for relatives and friends from home and abroad.

When it comes to jadeite, generally speaking, the greener, the better. Green, transparent jadeite pieces without any impurities are regarded as the creme de la creme and change hands for thousands of dollars. Jadeite, according to its purity, can be classified into three types. Type A jadeite refers to natural ones that have never undergone any artificial treatment. Type B refers to those that have undergone subtle treatment. And Type C emeralds are those with obvious treatment or even dyed ones.

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Beijing Jewellery Import and Export Corporation

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