Spotlight on ASA’s Jade: Identification, Treatment and Value Course

Editor’s Note: The American Society of Appraisers new GJ207 – Jade: Identification, Treatment and Value course will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2016 in Boca Raton, FL. For those new to this topic, let’s take a closer look to learn more with Q&A from course instructors, Branko Delijanin and Angelina Yip

How has the industry of Jade changed over the past few years?
The price had gone sky-high, there is almost no limit of how much a high quality piece of jade would cost. B jade (impregnated) is getting harder to detect and advanced instruments need to be used.

What new issues do you see in the Jade industry?
Some jade dealers in the Far East have recently perfected a method of making lower quality jade appear very similar to its top quality counterpart. Dyed quartzite has been selling as “Canadian jade” at major shows by some Asian dealers.

What do you think the future will hold for the Jade industry?
More and more B and C jade (dyed) and jade simulants will be in the market because of affordability. Nephrite Jade prices will continue to rise due to higher demand for jade in China and Asia.

Why should a GJ appraiser, gemologist, jeweler or dealer attend this course?
Gemologist should understand more about how to separate jadeite from its simulants and how to screen for A, B, or C jade. Appraisers, jewelers and dealers will have better understanding of the quality of Jade and how to appraise, buy or sell such.

What topics will the course cover?

• Separation of Jadeite Jade from Nephrite Jade
• Identification and Jade imitations with standard instruments
• Use of spectroscopy and microscopy in detecting dyed jadeite jade
• Screening for Jade (A, B or C) with UV lamp
• Testing of Jade with advanced instruments at CGL-GRS Swiss Canadian gemlab
• Quality grading of Nephrite and Jadeite Jade
• Providing information on Jade pricing and researching prices

How to use standard gemological equipment for identification?
How to use the basic equipment for identification; learn about the different treatments of jade, and valuation. They will also get handout material of each PowerPoint slide and Jade article by instructor published in “Business Jewellery”.

Branko Delijanin, B. Sc., GG. FGA, DUG

Can you give us some background information about yourself?
[Branko Deljanin] As a research gemologist with extensive experience in advanced testing of diamonds and gemstones, I have conducted on-site research on gems and colored diamonds in Sri Lanka, Russia, Brazil and Australia, and managed many projects on natural, treated and synthetic gems and diamonds. I am also an instructor of “Advanced Gemology” programs on diamonds and gems and have taught in Canada, USA, Russia, Brazil, Europe (UK, Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy), Australia and Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand).

Angelina Yip, GG., RMV

[Angelina Yip] I have always been fascinated with gemstones, especially jadeite. I hold credentials as a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), Accredited Senior Gemologist (AGA), and Registered Master Valuer (RMV) and have extensive training in the identification and evaluation of various jewellery and all types of gemstones including diamonds, coloured stones, jadeites and pearls.