DATING JADES

Click on the topic of interest Not Jade         Wrong Dating         Things to look for Dating or Dynasty is Wrong:  Here is where most people are victimized. Taking a look at the Jade Auctions on  the Internet it becomes apparent that the majority of antique dealers in Hong Kong and China simple do not care about factual dating or integrity. Many of these overseas dealers have never sold jade or Chinese antiques before. Further, many believe the sale is more important than customer satisfaction. Keep in mind that Mainland China still has a "National Treasure Law"  that forbids the exportation of antiques older than 75 years of age. So buyer beware. Another factor to keep in mind is the cultural, language, and communications barriers faced when dealing with overseas antique dealers via the Internet. Many of these overseas dealers will simple deceive to get the business. Always seek a knowledge and established Jade specialist if you are seeking genuine ancient jade. Also, make sure that there is an established reputation and that each ancient jade specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that is supported. Examples Of  Fake Jades Soapstone Shoushan stone Serpentine Shoushan stone Criteria for Dating: Currently there are no proven effective Scientific methods employed to date jade (like carbon 14). The description and dating techniques of my private jade collection are based on my 30 years experience, Chinese Jade experts, Historians, and Jade collectors that share in the passion of collecting and studying these rare and ancient treasures. These are the criteria used in dating: A. Weathering or Aging Analysis: As assessment of the jade specimen under magnification is conducted to measure the amount of calcification and suffusions it has been exposed to since it creation. Because of the varying degree of hardness with Nephrite jades (termolite softer jades versus hard fine-grained jades) the expert must determine the quantitative changes the gemstone has undergone. Many “fakes” are made to appear old by using a chemical peel to the surface but this is very easy for experts to detect. B. Comparative Analysis: Jade experts reference a library of comparative art objects to ascertain a particular motif or carving style. Most jade experts are well versed in the study of ancient bronze, ceramics, stone, bone and wood carving that allow a great measure of knowledge in comparing Jades of a particular period with contemporary Dynastic work of stylized art.  C. Lapidary Analysis: The manufacturing of jade objects is a fascinating study that requires years of experience to master. The Jade expert will closely examine a particular jade specimen under magnification for clues as to what type of tools were used to shape and work the gemstone. On close examination under magnification a jade expert is able to “see” abrasive marks, drill marks, saw marks, and various tool marks that reveal the origin of a particular specimen. The manufacturers of fake jades cannot hide power drill marks nor can they disguise the work of an ancient jade master from the educated eye of a Jade specialist. Summary: Most jade experts can date with a great degree of accuracy, however no dating technique can provide absolute certainty. It is critical for treasure hunters seeking to acquire rare ancient jades to understand the necessity of finding an expert source. In this way they can be assured that they are investing in the history and the magic of an ancient work of art that the Chinese call the gemstone from Heaven.  -ian  (Fung Gen Qua)