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Jade is one of the most beautiful and misunderstood gemstones. According to GIA, “jade” refers to two different gemstones: jadeite and nephrite. Both are genuine jade, but they have different qualities, colors, and value factors. Is nephrite jade real jade? Yes. Nephrite is real jade. Jade includes both nephrite and jadeite. They are different minerals, but both are recognized as genuine jade. All jadeite is jade. All nephrite is jade. But jadeite and nephrite are not the same stone. What is the difference between jade and jadeite? Jade is the general name. Jadeite is one type of jade. The other type is nephrite. Jadeite is often known for vivid colors and translucency. Nephrite is often loved for its smooth texture, soft glow, and elegant natural tones. Both are real jade. They simply express beauty differently. Why is jade priced so differently? Jade prices vary because each stone is different. Price can depend on: Color Translucency Texture Size Cut and polish Craftsmanship Treatment status Rarity GIA notes that for jadeite, key quality factors include color, transparency, and texture. Is jadeite always more valuable than nephrite? No. Fine jadeite can be extremely valuable, especially vivid green and highly translucent jadeite. But jadeite is not automatically better or more valuable. A high-quality nephrite piece can be more desirable than a low-quality or treated jadeite piece. The true value of jade depends on the stone’s quality, beauty, authenticity, and craftsmanship — not the name alone. Is all jade green? No. Jade comes in many natural colors. Common jade colors include: Green White Lavender Yellow Black Gray Brown Green is the most famous color, but jade does not have to be bright green to be real. Why is some jade translucent and some jade opaque? Jade’s appearance depends on its natural structure, grain, thickness, polish, and quality. Some jade looks icy and translucent. Some jade looks creamy, solid, or opaque. Both translucent and opaque jade can be genuine jade. What is the best jadeite? Fine jadeite is often valued for vivid color, good translucency, fine texture, smooth polish, and natural beauty. The most prized jadeite is often vivid green and semi-transparent, sometimes called “imperial jade.” But beautiful jadeite also exists in lavender, white, yellow, black, gray, and other colors. What is the best nephrite jade? Fine nephrite is often valued for smooth texture, even color, density, soft glow, and beautiful polish. Nephrite beauty is often quieter and softer than jadeite beauty. It is loved for its smooth, calming, and elegant appearance. How should I choose jade? Choose jade based on what you love: color, glow, texture, design, and how it feels when you wear it. At Coffee & Jewels, we choose jade for beauty, wearability, and character. Each piece has its own tone, texture, and personality, which is why no two jade pieces are exactly the same.