A 9.75 carat nephrite jade — 10.71 ratti — at Rs. 4,430, about Rs. 454 per carat.

The olive end of nephrite

This stone is the warmest-toned of the thirteen. Where the rest of the category measures 86% to 94% green coverage, this one reads 49% green — the rest of the body sits on the yellow side of the line. The result is an olive rather than a grass or forest green, with brightness at 65 out of 255, toward the lighter half of the range.

That is a real nephrite colour, not a defect. The actinolite-tremolite series runs from iron-rich dark green through to iron-poor cream, and the yellow-olive tones sit between them. Nephrite in this range is sometimes sold as "olive jade" or "spinach jade" depending on how dark it runs.

What olive suits

Warm metals. Against yellow gold or antiqued silver an olive nephrite reads intentional and rich, where a cool grass-green can look like a mismatch. It also sits well with brown and amber stones in a multi-stone piece, which pure green does not.

Nephrite, and why it is priced below jadeite

Both minerals are sold as jade. Nephrite is the tougher and historically the more significant; jadeite is slightly harder and commands higher prices, particularly in translucent emerald-green grades. Our jadeite-grade listings sit around Rs. 600 per carat against roughly Rs. 450 across this nephrite category. The gap reflects market demand for jadeite rather than any weakness in nephrite as a material.

Rate and care

Rs. 454 per carat, inside the Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band this category occupies. Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale but exceptionally resistant to chipping thanks to its interlocking fibrous structure. Warm water, mild soap, soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, and we record that 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 9.75 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,430 — roughly Rs. 454 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0011 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.