Sold loose and unset: a 6.95 carat nephrite jade — 7.64 ratti — at Rs. 3,150, about Rs. 453 per carat.

Why buy the stone first

Nephrite varies in tone far more than it varies in shape, and tone is the thing a photograph conveys least reliably. Buying loose means you judge the colour in your own light before anyone commits metal to it — and if you are building a matched pair or a multi-stone piece, it means you can hold two stones side by side rather than hoping two parcels agree.

This stone measures 68 out of 255 for brightness, among the lighter stones in a collection that runs from 42 to 84, with 89% green coverage. Light-toned nephrite shows translucency better than dark; against a lamp you see light travelling into the body rather than stopping at the surface.

What to tell the setter

Bezel rather than claws, for a domed cabochon. Set cold. And leave the back open if the design allows — nephrite at this tone has enough translucency that light entering from behind visibly lifts the colour, which a closed setting throws away.

Nephrite's lustre

Polished nephrite has a soft, faintly waxy surface rather than the glassy shine of quartz. That comes from its structure: the stone is built of microscopic interlocking fibres, so a polished face is made of countless fibre ends and scatters light very slightly. It is characteristic of good nephrite and the quality Chinese connoisseurs describe as an oily lustre.

Rate and care

Rs. 453 per carat, inside the Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band across this category. Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale — it scratches, but its interlocking fibres make it exceptionally hard to break. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this stone, which we record rather than calling it untreated. No documented origin is held for it. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet; ask and we will measure.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural nephrite with a weight of 6.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,150 — roughly Rs. 453 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0003 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale nephrite rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy nephrite from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every nephrite for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Nephrite is usually untreated, though some is dyed or waxed. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.