How to Spot Real Jadeite Online—And Avoid Getting Scammed
You’ve found a stunning jade bangle online. It looks luminous, vibrant—and unbelievably affordable.
But something feels off.
“Is it too good to be true?”
“How do I know it’s really jadeite?”
“What even is A-grade jade?”
The online jade market is booming, but so are the scams. Here’s how to protect yourself and spot the real thing.
✦ A, B, C: The Jadeite Alphabet You Need to Know
In jadeite circles, these letters mean everything:
- A-grade jadeite: 100% natural, untreated. The gold standard.
- B-grade: Chemically bleached and filled with polymer resin to enhance clarity. It may look pretty, but it’s fragile and valueless to collectors.
- C-grade: Dyed jade, often over B-grade. Unstable color and fades over time.
💡 If the seller doesn’t specify grade, it’s a red flag.
Look for terms like “Grade A jadeite”, “natural Burmese jade”, or “untreated jade”.
✦ The “Too Good to Be True” Price Test
Let’s be real: genuine high-quality jadeite is expensive.
That $99 bangle with flawless green and glassy glow? Probably not real.
Natural jadeite is rare, especially with:
- Strong, even color
- Good translucency
- No structural cracks or dye
💡 If the price seems dramatically lower than the market average for similar quality—it’s almost certainly treated, fake, or misrepresented.
✦ Trust the Photos? Not So Fast.
Common tricks include:
- Overexposed lighting to make jade look more translucent
- Filters or Photoshop to deepen color
- Stock photos used across multiple listings
🔎 Look for:
- Videos in natural light
- Multiple angles, close-ups, and backlighting shots
- Real photography with hand comparison or scale markers
✦ What Makes a Seller Trustworthy?
Here’s what real buyers on Reddit say they look for:
- Transparency: Does the seller clearly state the jade grade, treatment, and origin?
- Certification: Do they offer GIA, GUILD, or NGTC lab reports?
- Reputation: Do they have consistent reviews and real customer feedback?
- Responsiveness: Can you talk to a human before and after your purchase?
💬 Bonus tip: Ask the seller directly—“Is this jadeite A-grade? Has it been treated?” A trustworthy one will answer confidently and show proof.
✦ Avoid the Refund Nightmare
Many buyers report horror stories like:
- Receiving a completely different bangle than pictured
- No refund, or refund only if returned to China at buyer’s cost
- Seller ghosting after the sale
💡 Always check:
- Return policies (especially for international orders)
- Whether shipping costs for returns are covered
- If there’s platform protection (like Etsy disputes or PayPal guarantees)
✦ Final Checklist Before You Buy
✅ Is the jade described as A-grade / untreated?
✅ Are the photos unfiltered and clearly show the piece?
✅ Is there third-party certification offered or available?
✅ Does the price make sense for the quality?
✅ Is the seller responsive and reputable?
If you hesitate on any of these—walk away.
✦ Our Promise at TATHATĀ
We only offer natural, untreated Grade-A Burmese jadeite, selected with intention and backed by transparency. Every piece can be certified on request, and we’re here to answer every question before you decide.
Because jade shouldn’t just be beautiful—it should be real.