The jadeite jade market remains strong and has been growing in recent years, even as sales of most other types of gemstones and jewelry have been mediocre, to say the least. A growing middle class in China and a general attraction to oriental culture in the West have sparked new interest in this rare, significant and fascinating gem.

According to wikinvest.com “Estimates of the size and growth rate of China’s middle class vary. About half of China’s projected urban population will be middle class by 2025 … The first industrial revolution generated an increase of 250 % in per capita income over a 100-year period. The second industrial revolution caused per capita income growth of 350% in 60 years. By comparison, China is on track to create per capita income growth of 700% in only 20 years. “

It is this demographic that has largely inspired the resurgence in popularity of jadeite jade jewelry. Much of this middle class are younger professionals with funds available to invest and enjoy. Sales of classic indulgences such as travel, restaurants, cars and luxury goods are increasing at an unprecedented rate in China. Although many of the world’s designer “counterfeits” can be produced in China, the Chinese prefer the finest things in their most genuine and authentic forms. Untreated natural jadeite jade is one of these finer things. According to a recent article in Jewelery News Asia titled Jadeite Gains Market Share “The market appetite for type ‘A’ jadeite, which is 100% natural and untreated, remains strong … The global economic downturn has not prevented consumers buy jadeite. “In fact, at recent jadeite auctions, record prices for jade slabs and lots were not unusual. Many sales resulted in 4.5 times reserve prices.

Jade has been a vital part of Chinese culture for centuries; As early as the Neolithic period, jade was used and revered. “Known as the ‘royal gemstone’, jadeite has been inextricably linked to Chinese culture, and has been prized for centuries by China’s emperors, nobles, poets, and the very wealthy.” The value and beauty of jade is one of those wisdoms that have taken root in younger generations. “Modern cuts and trendy designs have further enhanced the appeal of this priceless treasure, attracting a younger generation of consumers who also appreciate jadeite jewelry for its inherent beauty and value” (Jewelery News Asia, July 2010 ).

“Asia is not the only market that has an insatiable appetite for jadeite. According to US-based jewelry wholesaler Mason-Kay, the rise in popularity of Asian things in American culture has translated into a increased interest in jadeite jewelry “(Jewelery News Asia, July 2010). The article continues to target new designers with fresh styles that have contributed to the interest of this new generation in jadeite jewelry. Mason-Kay’s Azure collection is mentioned as one of their best-selling lines, incorporating exquisite blue sapphires with a finest jadeite green jade. In the US, Mason-Kay has been at the forefront of designer jadeite jade jewelry, earning a finalist position for best earring at last year’s JCK Jewelers Choice Awards with a pair of earrings from her Collection. Azure designed exclusively for Mason-Kay by Kristina.

Mason-Kay continues to develop jade green and lavender jade designs, as well as other jade colors. Mr. Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay Jade also stated that they have had a lot of interest and increased sales of a better nephrite black jade. “We have also started designing our Midnight collection of finest black jade in white gold with diamonds and cabochon-colored gemstones” (Jewelery News Asia, July 2010). Mason-Kay is planning the debut of the entire Midnight Collection in Spring 2011.