For those of us who are always interested in China, jade, prices, and trends, here are three new articles from China Daily, the government's official newspaper. The following three items reveal a great deal about China itself, about jade to be used for the Olympic medals, and China's approach to new jade "finds," and some current pricing information that shows just how fast jade prices are soaring.  

Anyway interested in or dealing with prices in China will note that in the last two decades the price of Hotan jade material (especially white nephrite) has escalated 1000 fold, making it one of the most expensive gem materials in the world.

Another revelation is that jade dealers and collectors inside China now estimate that mainland Chinese jade collectors measure in the millions. This means that American and European collectors (formerly the largest group of collectors) will have to compete with Chinese collectors, most likely raising prices even more.

Read the full article here

Chinese dealers, collectors, buyers, and sellers are rapidly becoming familiar with new realities. Jade sales among older collectors are now being replaced by some of China's new rich, who want to own some pieces of "The Stone of Heaven." But as jade's popularity in China grows, in comes the scams. Jade sellers are doing the obvious.... selling newly carved jade objects as old treasures. As always, let the buyer beware.

Read the full article here

This new article from China Daily gives us a new view of what is happening inside China as precious jade material is sought from both old collectors and some of China's new rich buyers.

Read the full article here