Hello everyone, I am Zhang Mingyuan. Having been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, I have witnessed the ebbs and flows of the jade market and personally experienced the circulation of countless treasures. Today, I want to discuss with you how to approach jade appraisal and investment in this new normal, which is full of variables.

I. The New Market Normal: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

In recent years, the global economic environment has been complex and volatile, and the jade market has not been smooth sailing. However, as the old saying goes, "gold is stored in troubled times, and jade is stored in prosperous times." In an environment of increasing uncertainty, the value preservation and appreciation properties of high-quality jade have become even more prominent.

Challenges include:

  • Changing Consumer Attitudes: Younger generations have different perceptions of traditional culture and consumption habits. They prioritize personalization, fashion, and cost-effectiveness.


  • Increased Information Transparency: The popularization of the internet makes it easier for consumers to access information, but it also leads to information overload and difficulty in distinguishing authenticity.


  • Upgraded Counterfeiting Techniques: Forgery methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with B-grade, C-grade, and even B+C-grade jade constantly emerging, making it difficult for ordinary consumers to guard against them.


Opportunities include:

  • Highlighting Scarcity: High-quality jade resources are increasingly depleted, and the scarcity of top-grade jade determines its long-term value.


  • Aesthetic Return: With enhanced cultural confidence, people's aesthetic appreciation for traditional jade culture is gradually returning, and the artistic and cultural value of high-quality jade is being re-examined.


  • Investment and Hedging Demand: Amid inflation expectations and increased volatility in financial markets, jade, as a physical asset, is receiving more attention for its hedging function.


II. New Appraisal Mindset: Combining Technological Empowerment with Experiential Inheritance

In the new market environment, traditional "eye-level work" is certainly important, but the intervention of technology has also brought revolutionary changes to jade appraisal.

  • The Importance of Technological Appraisal:


I often emphasize to my students that when appraising jade now, one cannot rely solely on visual observation. High-tech equipment such as spectrometers, infrared instruments, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers can accurately analyze the internal structure and chemical composition of jade, effectively identifying fillers and colorants in B-grade and C-grade jade. For example, with an infrared spectrometer, we can clearly see the absorption peaks of epoxy resin in B-grade jade, which is indistinguishable to the naked eye.

  • The Irreplaceability of Experiential Inheritance:


However, technology is not omnipotent. The "texture, clarity, color, craftsmanship, and shape" of jade are comprehensive reflections of its value. These subtle nuances still require the rich experience and keen insight of an appraiser. For instance, the "gelatinous feel" and "fluorescence" of a piece of jade, although supported by physical principles, are often ultimately judged by accumulated intuition. I once encountered a piece of old-pit glass-grade jade whose luster and texture were fundamentally different from the "unnatural sheen" of B-grade jade. This distinction can only be profoundly understood through countless comparisons and touches.

  • Case Study Sharing:


A few years ago, a client brought a "ice-grade with floating flowers" bangle for me to appraise. From its appearance, it had good clarity and vibrant floating flowers, but something felt off. I shone a flashlight on it and found that its internal structure was slightly loose, and the edges of the floating flowers had a slight diffusion. I then recommended professional instrument testing, and the results confirmed it was B+C grade, with the floating flowers being dyed later. This case illustrates that even experienced appraisers need to use technological means for cross-verification when facing high-quality fakes.

III. New Investment Strategies: Value is King, Rational Allocation

When investing in jade, I always emphasize "value is king." Blindly following trends and pursuing short-term profits are ill-advised.

  • Focus on Scarcity and High Quality:


For jade investment, prioritize high-quality A-grade jade, especially old-pit glass-grade, ice-grade, and high-ice-grade jade with pure, evenly distributed color. These jade resources are increasingly scarce, and their value preservation and appreciation capabilities are the strongest. For example, a collector-grade Imperial Green jade can often be worth several properties, and its value tends to grow faster than ordinary assets.

  • Emphasize Design and Craftsmanship:


Good design and exquisite craftsmanship can endow jade with higher artistic value and added value. A jade piece carved by a renowned artist may have artistic value that surpasses the value of the material itself. When choosing, pay attention to whether its shape is unique, its lines are smooth, and its polishing is fine.

  • Long-Term Holding, Diversified Investment:


Jade investment is a long-term endeavor, and frequent buying and selling are not advisable. At the same time, investors are advised to adopt a diversified investment strategy and not concentrate all funds on one or two pieces of jade. You can allocate different categories and grades of jade according to your budget to reduce risk.

  • Beware of "Concept Hype":


There are many merchants in the market who manipulate jade prices by hyping "concepts," such as "limited edition material from a certain mine" or "thousand-year-old ancient jade." Investors must maintain a clear mind, analyze rationally, and not be misled by false propaganda.

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations

The jade market, like life, is full of variables and holds infinite possibilities. In the new normal, whether for appraisal or investment, we need to maintain a learning attitude and continuously update our knowledge base.

My recommendations are:

  • Learn Professional Knowledge: Read professional books, attend industry seminars, and improve your appreciation skills.


  • Seek Professional Help: When purchasing high-value jade, be sure to ask qualified appraisal institutions to issue certificates or consult experienced experts.


  • Maintain a Rational Mindset: Investment carries risks, so be cautious when entering the market. Do not be swayed by market sentiment and make impulsive decisions.


  • Enjoy the Beauty of Culture: Jade is not just an investment product; it is also a treasure of traditional Chinese culture. While investing, also learn to appreciate and inherit its unique cultural charm.


May everyone in the jade world have a discerning eye, identify true gems, and reap their own brilliance and value. Thank you all.