A Highly Important Imperial Green Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Set with a thick high-domed jadeite cabochon of vivid imperial green color and high translucency, surmounted by 258 heart-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 5.32 carats in total, mounted in 18k white gold, cabochon approximately 25.15 x 20.52 x 12.57mm weighing 54.99 carats.
Old mine jadeite represents the rarest and highest quality of all jade and is one of the most sought-after treasures of nature. Formed in a low-temperature and high-pressure environment, jadeite roughs are washed into the river bed from the deposits. After years of weathering and erosion by water, the precious old mine jadeite is finally formed, characterized by its extraordinarily fine texture, high translucency and pure color.
If jadeite is to meet the quality of “Imperial Green”, color itself is the most important factor for a piece of jadeite’s value, with the other two factors being texture and transparency. When the jadeite appears the combination of almost transparent with a vibrant and vivid green color, it is known as “Imperial Jade”.
This jadeite cabochon showcases the unique beauty of old mine jadeite with its delicate and clear texture, pure and even imperial green color, full and graceful form, and outstanding translucency. Only a jadeite rough with a fine, consistent and crack-free structure that allows a perfect reflection of light can be polished into such an exceptional piece. The cabochon exhibits an evenly distributed color that turns more vivid under different lights. The cabochon measures 25mm in length and 12mm in height which can be called “the golden ratio”.
Prolonged overexploitation has resulted in a dramatic decline in the supply of old mine jadeite, yet the demand remains strong. An old mine jadeite with imperial green color of such size and quality is extremely rare.
