Jade is beautiful, old and easy to photograph badly - and that combination makes seller verification essential. Whether you are buying a first bangle or a serious collection piece, run the same evidence checklist every time.
1. Check the identity of the seller
Confirm the business name, country, contact details and a physical address or registered details you can verify independently. Search for the name with words such as review or complaint. A seller who has operated under several names or domains in a short time deserves extra caution.
2. Demand photographs of the exact piece
Ask for daylight shots from several angles, a backlit shot to show translucency, and close-ups of any area that matters - the skin of a seed-jade bangle, the texture of a jadeite surface, the drill holes of a bead strand. A short video under natural light tells you more than ten stills. If the seller can only send generic catalogue photos, that is a red flag.
3. Get the material story in writing
Ask the seller to write down: the mineral (jadeite or nephrite), the origin as they know it, the texture and colour words, the treatment statement, and any grade label such as A-grade. Written statements create a record you can use later. If the seller will not describe the piece in writing, do not buy it.
4. Understand what a certificate does
Ask which laboratory issued any report, then verify the report with that laboratory by number. Remember that a certificate identifies material and treatment - it does not set the price or guarantee beauty. See our certificate guide for the details.
What questions should I always ask?
The five that matter: Is the colour natural? Has the piece been treated in any way? Where does the material come from, as you know it? What is the exact size and weight? What happens if an independent test disagrees with your description?
How much should I spend before asking for documents?
Ask for documents at any price you cannot afford to lose. For high-value jade, documentation and an inspection window are not extras - they are part of the product. A reputable seller answers these questions gladly.
Final safety checklist
- Seller identity and history verified.
- Daylight photographs and video of the exact piece received.
- Material and treatment statement in writing.
- Certificate verified with the issuing laboratory (when provided).
- Return, insurance and payment terms agreed before payment.
We answer exactly these questions for every piece in our collection - ask us anything before you order.
Sources: GIA education pages on jadeite and nephrite; NGTC at ngtc.org.cn. Verify any certificate with the issuing laboratory before you rely on it.