A 7.3 carat nephrite jade — 8.02 ratti — at Rs. 3,230, about Rs. 442 per carat. That is the keenest per-carat rate in this category, where the range runs from Rs. 442 to Rs. 457.

The strongest colour in the collection

Saturation is the measure of how far a colour sits from grey, and this stone reads highest of the thirteen. Brightness measures 57 out of 255 — mid-range, neither pale nor forest-dark — with 91% green coverage. The combination is what gives it its intensity: dark stones can look black-green indoors and pale ones can look washed out, while a mid-toned stone with strong saturation holds its colour in both.

What the polish is doing

Nephrite polishes to a characteristic soft, slightly waxy lustre rather than the glassy surface of quartz or jadeite. That is a consequence of its fibrous structure: the surface is made of countless fibre ends rather than a single continuous crystal face, so it scatters light very slightly. Chinese connoisseurship prizes this specifically and calls it an oily or greasy lustre. It is a feature of good nephrite, not a sign of poor finishing.

Nephrite against jadeite, briefly

Two different minerals, both sold as jade. Nephrite is fibrous and exceptionally tough; jadeite is granular, slightly harder, and more valuable in fine translucent grades. Our jadeite-grade listings run near Rs. 600 per carat against roughly Rs. 450 here.

Care

Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale — scratchable, but very difficult to break. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam. Store it away from harder stones, since the waxy polish is the first thing abrasion dulls.

Treatment has not been tested on this stone, so we record that rather than describing it as 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 7.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,230 — roughly Rs. 442 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0005 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.