A 7.65 carat nephrite jade — 8.41 ratti — at Rs. 3,450, about Rs. 451 per carat.

The most forgiving stone on a setter's bench

If you are making pieces to sell or learning to set, nephrite is the material to practise on, and not because it is cheap. Its interlocking fibrous structure gives it a toughness that exceeds nearly every other natural stone, including much harder ones. A bezel pushed slightly too hard will not chip it. A burnisher that slips will not crack it. Jadeite, quartz, opal and turquoise are all less tolerant of a mistake.

What it will not forgive is abrasion. At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the grit in ordinary dust, so it scratches. Finish the polish last, keep it away from the tripoli wheel you use for harder stones, and store finished pieces apart.

Three practical notes

Set cold. There is no reason to take a torch near a seated stone, and nephrite's tolerance is not a reason to test it.

Bezel rather than claws. It frames the colour, which claws interrupt, and a continuous rim suits a domed cabochon better than four points.

Match stones before you commit. Nephrite varies in tone far more than it varies in shape. This stone measures 65 out of 255 for brightness and 86% green coverage — figures worth checking against any second stone you plan to pair it with, because a half-shade mismatch is obvious in a finished pair and invisible in a parcel.

Rate and care

Rs. 451 per carat, within the Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band across this category, so costing a commission is straightforward. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, 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 before you plan around it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural nephrite with a weight of 7.65 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,450 — roughly Rs. 451 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0006 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.