Professional conclusion:
“Prioritize texture and translucency before considering color” is the more stable long-term approach;
“Color first” only applies under extremely rare, high-end conditions.
Let’s break down the logic below.
I. Why “texture and translucency” form the foundation and must come first
Quality essentially refers to jadeite’s structural fineness + translucency. It determines three critical factors:
1. Whether color can hold its own
The same shade of green appears “concentrated, bright, and vibrant” on a fine, translucent base;
On a coarse, dry, or hazy base, it looks dull, lifeless, and muddy.
2. Whether the wearing effect remains pleasing over time
Good jadeite has luminosity and a sense of fluidity, growing more pleasing the longer it’s worn;
Poor-quality jadeite may appear vibrant at first glance, but quickly becomes tiresome to the eye.
3. The underlying support for price and value retention
During market fluctuations, pieces where “color dominates while jadeite quality lags” are the first to fall;
Good jadeite, even with subtle color, maintains its fundamental value.
Remember this industry adage:
“Without sufficient quality, even the finest color is just a show.”
II. Why Some Still Claim “Color Is Paramount”
Because under extremely rare conditions, color can take precedence.
This hinges on one prerequisite:
The quality must at least meet the baseline of being “fine, lustrous, not dry, not lifeless.”
Only then:
·True Yang Green, Imperial Green, Full-Color
·Sufficient coverage, even distribution
·No noticeable black spots, mottling, or cotton-like inclusions
Here, color commands exponential premiums—not merely covering flaws.
Thus you observe:
·High-end markets prioritize color
·Mid-to-low-end markets prioritize quality
This isn’t double standards—it’s tiered differentiation.
III. A foolproof practical judgment method
Regardless of budget, follow this sequence for minimal error:
Step 1: Eliminate “dry, coarse, or foggy” jadeite
No matter how vivid the color, skip it if the base is lifeless.
Step 2: Select color within qualified jadeite
Prioritize brightness and purity where possible, but don’t force it.
Step 3: Assess overall harmony
Jadeite isn’t about single-feature excellence—it’s about “overall coherence.”
Summary:
Jadeite quality always comes first; color is merely a bonus on a solid foundation.
Only when the jadeite quality meets the baseline does the color become a factor in determining value.
This isn’t conservatism—it’s the market’s long-term verdict.
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