The Jadeite Appraiser’s “Hua Shan Discussion on jewelry (Appraisal)” The Childhood Friend’s Urgent Gift

Author: Chen Yi Chong, GIC and Certified Gemologist from the Chinese Ministry of Light Industry & GJA Jadeite Appraisal and Trading Specialist

Foreword
As a gem appraiser, I am particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the jewelry market, especially jadeite, which I am often invited to professionally evaluate. Over the course of a year, I’ve seen quite a number of rare and exceptional pieces.

However, the person who most frequently challenges me with gemstones is my childhood friend, A-Jun. A-Jun has always been passionate about gems, and he often brings me his latest acquisitions to show off—and to test me. But this time, he came not to challenge me, but with a face full of anxiety.
“Disaster!

Tomorrow is my mother-in-law’s 70 birthday, and I got so busy that I forgot to prepare a gift! Just now, my wife asked about it, and in a panic, I said I already had something ready. I need to go out and get it right away!”
As soon as he said it, I couldn’t help but laugh.
A- Jun’s mother-in-law had been quite kind to him. When he started his business, she even invested to help him out. As such, the gift for such a senior and benefactor couldn’t be anything too casual.

But if it were too expensive, his pocket would be empty, and he’d worry about making her feel uncomfortable, so it was a real dilemma.
I flipped through a magazine on the table and pointed to the cover. “Look at this.”
A-Jun leaned over, skeptically flipping through the pages and reading aloud: “Longserving… Imperial Green Jadeite? Is it synthetic?”
I nodded. “The key point is the color.” I pointed to the vibrant green in the photo. “Imperial Green has always been the epitome of jadeite. It’s bright, transparent, and exudes a strong aura.”

A-Jun stared at the magazine for a long while, and his expression gradually softened.
“That’s right! She’s into gem appreciation. She will definitely like it.”
That day, he went straight to the flagship store in Taipei and made the purchase. Later, I heard that on the day of the birthday banquet, his mother-in-law’s eyes lit up, and she praised him, saying, “This child is really thoughtful.”
A-Jun came back triumphant, telling me that my suggestion had really worked!

Product Number:P-2025-21

Introducing the Column

Written  by Madyson Lee, Editor and Consultant
Madyson Lee is an expert and manager with years of experience in the international jewelry industry, having worked with iconic brands like Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, and Boucheron. Her career spans many years in both the luxury jewelry and watch sectors, blending her profound expertise and sharp aesthetic eye to combine brand management with high-end living aesthetics. Through her work, she leads readers to explorethe world of jewelry art and ultimate taste.

Professional Experienc 2001~2023

• CARTIER Taiwan Feb.2001 ~ Jan.2003
• CHANEL Taiwan Feb.2003 ~ May.2006
• Amo collection and Rich Your Box Jewelry
Aug.2006 ~ May 2010

• SWATCH GROUP TAIWAN Glashutte
Original Watch & Tiffany Watch Brand Manager Aug.2010 ~ Sep. 2013
• Chopard General Manager Sep.2013 ~ Jan. 2017
• Boucheron General Manager Apr.2017 ~ Jan.2021
Apr.2017 ~Jan. 2021
Educatuion
• Gemologist Institute of America, New York,
United States 2000 ~ 2001
Graduated Gemologist
• Diamond Gemologist Diploma
• Color Stone Gemologist Diploma
• Shih Chien University, Taipei ,Taiwan 1989~1993
• Bachelor of Fashion Design / Fashion Marketing

Qian Ying Jewelry

Brand Founder: Cloudia Wen 

Graduate Gemologist Diploma (GIA)
GIA Diamond Diploma
GIA Colored Stones Diploma
GIA Jewelry Design Diploma
Certified Gem Appraiser, Republic of China
MBHT (UK) Fabulous Perfumers Training
Course — Level 1 (Junior Perfumer Certification)
National Taipei University of Technology
EMBA, Master’s in Business Administration
International ASP Pageant — Young Division
Champion

Brand Introduction
To become your own king or queen is not just a dream, but a way of life — to chase boldly and face every challenge with confidence. Our jewelry accompanies your uniqueness, allowing you to shine with your own irresistible brilliance at every important moment in life.

From carefully selected gemstones to thoughtful design, every piece from Qian Ying Jewelry is crafted with intention — so that each time you wear it, you can feel that exclusive sense of honor and radiance.To us, jewelry is more than a beautiful ornament — it is the finest way to express oneself and to reveal one’s true character.

The Future of Jadeite: The End of Myanmar Mines and the Truth of Old Mine Ice Jadeite Written by Longserving Jewelry Research Center

From Emerald to Jadeite: The Green Soul Beyond Luxury

In the East, another kind of green has quietly flourished for millennia—jadeite, known among Chinese as “The King of Jade.”

Emerald wins with light; jadeite triumphs with soul.

The former dazzles like a fleeting spark; The latter is serene, like life in gentle motion.

The value of emeralds is driven by brand prestige and clarity, whereas the value of jadeite arises from its culture, heritage, and rarity.

If emerald represents Western romance,then jadeite embodies Eastern eternity.

In this era of mine closures and dwindling natural supply, jadeite not only rivals emerald—it surpasses it.

I. The Era of Rarity: The Current State of Natural Jadeite

In the world of gemstones, none embody both culture and wealth quite like jadeite. Its lush green hues and water-like luster have earned it the title “King of Jade.” Yet this glory is now entering an age of scarcity.

For the past three decades, Kachin State in northern Myanmar has been the world’s only region producing high-quality jadeite on a large scale. Today, however, the closure of mining concessions, stricter environmental regulations, and years of overextraction have turned once-vibrant green valleys into silent gray wastelands.

In 2020, a massive landslide in the Hpakant mining area killed hundreds of miners, marking a turning point in Myanmar’s jadeite history. In the years that followed, the government imposed successive mining bans and restructuring efforts, causing the supply of raw jadeite to plummet.

For the market, this means that “authentic Burmese jadeite” is disappearing — and top-grade rough stones are becoming nearly impossible to find.

II. The Mining Map of Myanmar: From Hpakant to Muna

In the jade trade, one cannot discuss jadeite without mentioning “mine site,” known in Chinese as “pithead” A mine site denotes not only geography but also heritage and quality lineage.

Hpakant — the “mother of all pitheads” — has produced countless legendary imperial-green jadeites throughout history. Within Hpakant lie subzones such as Mowanji, Muna, Dagudi, and Mamon, each known for yielding exceptional material.

•Muna Mine is famed for its rich color and fine, compact texture — regarded by connoisseurs as the true emblem of an “old mine.”

•Hau Giang Mine is known for its translucency, producing pale yet crystal-clear jadeite often cut into ice or glass varieties.

•Other mines such as Moka, Nanqi, and Moshisha, though smaller in scale, occasionally produce remarkable surprises.

Today, many of these mine sites have been declared “exhausted” — meaning high-quality jadeite material has run out, and mining costs far exceed returns. The glory of the old mines now lives mostly in private collections, while new or peripheral sites occasionally yield fine stones but lack consistent supply.

Unveiling the Secrets of the Top-TierFancy Vivid Yellow Diamond


Written by Madyson Lee, Editor and Consultant

Madyson Lee is an expert and manager with years of experience in the international jewelry industry, having worked with iconic brands like Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, and Boucheron. Her career spans many years in both the luxury jewelry and watch sectors, blending her profound expertise and sharp aesthetic eye to combine brand management with high-end living aesthetics. Through her work, she leads readers to explore the world of jewelry art and ultimate taste.

What is a Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond?
The Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond is one of the rarest and highest-grade yellow diamonds in the color grading scale. It holds a prominent position among the yellow diamonds, celebrated for its vivid intensity and exceptional brilliance.
Here’s a breakdown of the yellow diamond color grading (from lightest to darkest):
1.Fancy Light Yellow
2.Fancy Yellow
3.Fancy Intense Yellow
4.Fancy Vivid Yellow
5.Fancy Deep Yellow
6.Fancy Dark Yellow

Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds are the brightest, most saturated yellow diamonds. Their value and rarity far exceed that of Fancy Yellow or Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds.

Why is Fancy Vivid Yellow So Rare?

1. Strict Natural Formation Conditions: The color of yellow diamonds comes from the influence of nitrogen within the diamond’s crystal lattice. To reach the vivid yellow hue, the nitrogen content and crystal structure must form a rare combination that only a few diamonds achieve.

2. Extreme Rarity: Less than 5% of all yellow diamonds achieve the Fancy Vivid Yellow grade.

3. High Collectible and Investment Value: Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds often fetch high prices in auctions, especially when they have excellent cut, large carat weight, and high clarity. They are highly coveted by collectors.