What makes “old jade” so valuable? Why are some sold at sky-high prices while others are sold at bargain prices?

From the Republic of China to today, everyone from high-ranking officials to businessmen and ordinary people are proud to collect a jadeite with the word "old" in it. But there are three types of jade with the word "old" in their name, namely "old pit jade", "old jade" and "old type jade". Can you tell them apart?

Old pit jade

The biggest difference between old pit jadeite and new pit jadeite is the length of time exposed to the air, not the time when the jadeite is formed, because the time when the jadeite is formed is the same. The difference is which one is exposed first. The one that is exposed first is called the old pit, and the one that is not exposed is called the new pit.

The ore of old pit jade is exposed early, and after years of wind and rain and constant immersion and transportation by river water, the jade becomes very fine, with smaller crystals, full water head and higher transparency.

New pit jade generally refers to the original jade ore, which is preserved intact in the ore vein when there is no human excavation. Due to the lack of quenching by nature's power, the jade will be rough and loose, the crystals will be larger and coarser, and the water head will not be high.

In the market, since old pit jade is generally of higher quality, we call jade of good quality old pit jade, and jade of lower quality new pit jade. All the terms "old pit glass type" and "old pit ice type" that we often hear are inappropriate. In fact, it is not because a piece of jade is old pit jade that it is valuable, but it is called old pit jade because it is valuable.

Old Jade

Old jade refers to jade that is very old, generally referring to jade from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China.

It is understandable that old jade is of lower quality but more expensive than new jade of the same grade. Because it not only has jewelry value, but also historical value. Jadeite used by princes and ministers in the Qing Dynasty, or worn by wealthy merchants in the Republic of China, will be 10%-50% more expensive. If it is jadeite used by a celebrity, the price will be higher because it is unique.

For example, these pieces of jadeite collected in the Palace Museum are of inestimable value.

The problem with old jade is that it is difficult for ordinary people to prove the true history of this jade. The year of production can be determined, but whether a celebrity has used it requires tracing its past, which is difficult and counterfeiting is possible.

Old jadeite

Old types of jade are most easily confused with old pit jade.

The difference between old jade and new jade can only be found by looking at the quality of the jade. The old type of jade has a tight and delicate structure, small crystal particles, uniform and pure color, full of water, strong light perception, and is shiny and sticky.

The new type of jade has a loose structure, large grains, low density, short water head, poor wear resistance, uneven color, and the base color is mostly grayish white, milky white, light green, etc.

Many people make a misunderstanding, which is to use water head as the standard for distinguishing old and new types of jade. In fact, this is only one dimension. The most important thing is comprehensive judgment.

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