10 Questions New Jade Buyers Always Ask (With Answers from Real Collectors)
Starting your jadeite journey? You're not alone. Every week, we hear the same thoughtful questions from first-time buyers. Here are the answers that matter most, drawn from our community of collectors and decades of experience with Grade-A Burmese jadeite.
1. Is jade durable enough for everyday wear?
The short answer: Absolutely. Jadeite is tougher than you think.
With a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, genuine jadeite is surprisingly resilient. Unlike many gemstones that can chip or scratch easily, jadeite's interlocking crystal structure makes it incredibly tough. In fact, it's tougher than steel.
What our collectors say: "I've worn my TATHATĀ bangle daily for three years through everything—gardening, cooking, even accidentally banging it against door frames. It still looks perfect." — Sarah M., longtime collector
Pro tip: While jadeite is durable, avoid dropping it on hard surfaces. The circular shape of bangles makes them vulnerable to impact damage if dropped.
2. Will my jade bangle break if I have young children?
Real talk from parents: Kids and jade can coexist beautifully.
Many of our clients are busy parents who worried about the same thing. The reality? Jadeite bangles are remarkably child-safe. They won't shatter into sharp pieces like glass, and the smooth surface is gentle against little hands during hugs and play.
Parent collector wisdom: "My toddler loves touching my bangle—she calls it 'mama's smooth bracelet.' I was worried at first, but after two years of mom life, it's held up perfectly. The jade actually seems to calm her when she's fussy." — Jennifer L.
Safety note: Choose bangles with rounded edges and avoid extremely thin or delicate pieces if you have very active young children.
3. How do I measure for a bangle that actually fits?
The hand compression method (most accurate):
- Compress your hand: Push your thumb toward your pinky, making the narrowest possible hand shape
- Measure the widest point: Use a flexible tape measure across your knuckles at the widest part of your compressed hand
- Add comfort margin: Add 2-4mm to this measurement for your ideal inner diameter
Quick size guide:
- 52-54mm: Small/Petite hands
- 55-57mm: Average women's sizing
- 58-60mm: Larger hands or preferred loose fit
- 61mm+: Men's sizing or very loose fit preference
Collector tip: "I learned the hard way that bangles should slide on with gentle effort but not fall off when your hand is relaxed. Too loose feels insecure; too tight is uncomfortable." — David K.
4. What's the difference between Grade A, B, and C jadeite?
Grade A (Natural & Untreated):
- No chemical treatments whatsoever
- Natural color, natural transparency
- Highest value and investment potential
- What TATHATĀ exclusively offers
Grade B (Chemically Treated):
- Acid-washed to remove impurities
- Polymer-filled for clarity
- Artificial enhancement of appearance
- Lower long-term value
Grade C (Treated & Dyed):
- Chemically treated AND color-enhanced
- Often dramatically altered appearance
- Lowest grade, minimal investment value
- Can fade or change color over time
Why it matters: "I bought what I thought was a bargain green bangle online, only to learn it was Grade C. The color started fading within months. Now I only buy certified Grade A from trusted sources like TATHATĀ." — Michelle R.
5. Why does one jade piece cost $100 and another $10,000?
The value factors that create dramatic price differences:
Color intensity and rarity:
- Imperial green: $5,000-$50,000+
- Lavender: $500-$5,000
- White/light green: $100-$1,000
Transparency:
- Glassy (most transparent): Premium pricing
- Semi-transparent: Mid-range
- Opaque: Entry-level pricing
Size and thickness:
- Larger pieces require bigger rough stones (exponentially rarer)
- Thicker bangles = more material = higher cost
Craftsmanship:
- Hand-carved details vs. simple polishing
- Symmetry and finish quality
- Artist reputation (for sculptural pieces)
Collector insight: "My first bangle was $200—beautiful white jadeite that I still treasure. My anniversary piece was $8,000 for imperial green with incredible transparency. Both have their place in my collection." — Robert T.
6. Can I wear jade in the shower or while swimming?
Yes, but with considerations:
Jadeite itself: Completely water-safe. Ancient rivers carved jadeite for millions of years—a little shower water won't hurt it.
What to watch:
- Metal settings: Gold and platinum are fine; silver may tarnish
- Soap buildup: Can dull the surface over time
- Pool chemicals: Chlorine won't damage jadeite but may affect metal components
Maintenance routine: "I shower with my bangle daily but give it a gentle cleaning with a soft brush weekly. Keeps it glowing." — Lisa H.
Pro tip: Remove jade jewelry before applying lotions or oils—they can build up in carved details and affect the surface luster.
7. What happens if my jade breaks?
Prevention first: Proper sizing and careful handling prevent 90% of breaks.
If it happens:
- Clean breaks: Often repairable by skilled jewelers using gold or silver wire wrapping
- Shattered pieces: Usually not economically repairable
- Chips: Minor chips can often be re-polished away
Insurance considerations: Document your pieces with photos and certificates. Many homeowner's policies cover jewelry loss/damage with proper documentation.
Philosophical perspective: "In Chinese culture, if jade breaks while you're wearing it, it's believed to have protected you from something worse. My grandmother always said broken jade took on negative energy meant for you." — Anna C., cultural heritage collector
TATHATĀ promise: We provide lifetime authenticity guarantees and can connect you with skilled repair artisans when needed.
8. Do I really need certification for jade?
For significant purchases (over $500): Absolutely.
What certificates tell you:
- Confirms genuine jadeite (not nephrite or imitation)
- Verifies Grade A status (untreated)
- Provides species identification
- Documents for insurance/resale
Red flags:
- Sellers who refuse to provide certificates
- Certificates from unknown labs
- Prices that seem too good to be true for certified pieces
Trusted certification labs:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences)
- Gübelin Gem Lab
Collector advice: "I learned to always ask for certification upfront. Reputable dealers like TATHATĀ include certificates automatically. If someone hesitates or makes excuses, walk away." — Thomas K.
9. Who can I trust when buying jade online?
Research checklist for online jade sellers:
✅ Look for:
- Detailed photos in natural lighting
- Certificates from recognized labs
- Clear return/exchange policies
- Educational content about jadeite
- Customer reviews with photos
- Transparent about treatments/enhancements
- Contact information and physical address
❌ Red flags:
- Stock photos or overly filtered images
- Vague descriptions like "natural jade" without specifics
- Prices drastically below market value
- No certification offered
- Pressure tactics or limited-time offers
- No clear return policy
Trust indicators for TATHATĀ:
- Every piece comes with detailed provenance
- Lifetime authenticity guarantee
- Educational blog and transparent practices
- Direct relationships with Myanmar sources
- Responsive customer service
- Community of verified collectors
Veteran buyer tip: "Start small with any new seller. Even if they seem legitimate, buy a lower-value piece first to test their service, shipping, and product quality." — Patricia D.
10. Is jade really worth collecting as an investment?
The honest answer: Jade can appreciate, but buy for love first, investment second.
Factors supporting value:
- Finite supply: Myanmar's finest mines are largely depleted
- Growing global appreciation: Expanding beyond traditional Asian markets
- Generational wealth transfer: Families passing down collections
- Cultural significance: Deep-rooted symbolic meaning maintains demand
What holds value best:
- Imperial green pieces with certificates
- Exceptional transparency and color saturation
- Larger, high-quality bangles
- Unique or rare color combinations
- Pieces with documented provenance
Realistic expectations: "My collection has grown in value over 15 years, but I never think of it as my retirement fund. I collect because each piece brings me joy daily. The appreciation is a bonus." — Margaret L., 20-year collector
Investment-grade considerations:
- Budget at least $2,000-$5,000 for entry-level investment pieces
- Focus on certified Grade A material exclusively
- Buy the best quality you can afford rather than quantity
- Document everything for future provenance
Your Jadeite Journey Starts Here
Every collector started with questions just like these. The key is finding knowledgeable dealers who educate rather than pressure, and building your collection thoughtfully over time.
Ready to begin? Explore our New to Jadeite collection featuring carefully selected first pieces, or browse our complete bangle collection to find your perfect companion.
Still have questions? Our team is here to guide you. Contact us for personalized advice on starting your jadeite journey.
Have a question we didn't cover? Leave a comment below or email us. We love hearing from fellow jadeite enthusiasts and are always happy to share our knowledge.
About TATHATĀ: We specialize in Grade-A Burmese jadeite bangles, rings, and bespoke pieces. Every item comes with certification and our lifetime authenticity guarantee. Learn more about our story and commitment to authentic jadeite.