A 7 carat nephrite jade cabochon — 7.69 ratti — at Rs. 3,150, about Rs. 450 per carat.

Deep green, with the figure behind it

Brightness measures 50 out of 255, making this the second-darkest stone in the collection — only one reads lower, at 42 — with 93% green coverage. It is a genuinely deep tone rather than a mid-green described generously.

Depth in nephrite comes from iron content. The actinolite-tremolite series runs from iron-rich, which reads dark green, through to iron-poor, which reads cream or white. This stone sits well toward the iron-rich end. The practical effect is that the colour holds under weak light where paler stones turn grey.

Why a cabochon, always

Nephrite is translucent at best and never transparent, so faceting it would be pointless: facets work by returning light from inside a clear stone, and there is nothing for them to work with here. A dome does the right job instead — it gathers light into the body and shows the colour as a continuous surface. A faceted nephrite is a stone cut by someone working against the material.

The dome also suits nephrite's lustre, which is soft and faintly waxy rather than glassy, a consequence of the fibrous structure meeting the polished surface as countless fibre ends.

Toughness

Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale but among the toughest natural materials known, because those same interlocking fibres resist fracture. Neolithic toolmakers chose it for axe heads for exactly that reason. It scratches; it does not break easily.

Rate and care

Rs. 450 per carat, inside this category's Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, and we record that plainly rather than calling it untreated. No documented origin is held for it. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask us and we will measure.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural nephrite with a weight of 7 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,150 — roughly Rs. 450 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0004 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.