Jadeite appraisal is essential to determine whether a piece is natural A-grade jade, whether it has undergone treatments, and to evaluate its overall quality. Professional assessment requires precise instruments and experienced gemologists. A credible jade certification not only verifies authenticity but also helps preserve the jade’s value and enhances recognition in resale markets.
Professional jade appraisal labs typically use equipment that meets international standards and employ qualified gemologists to ensure results are objective, reliable, and traceable. This guide summarizes the key points of jadeite certification, provides a practical checklist for evaluating appraisal labs, and helps you choose trustworthy institutions.
Use the following seven key criteria to assess whether a jade appraisal lab is professional, reliable, and transparent in its processes:
Check for ISO/IEC 17025 lab certification, HOKLAS, or other nationally/internationally recognized qualifications.
Review the lab’s website for information on its history, leadership, and appraisal team.
Check independent reviews on Google or Facebook to ensure consistent service quality.
Ensure the lab has essential equipment such as FTIR (Infrared Spectroscopy), Raman Spectroscopy, microscopes, refractometers, specific gravity tools, and UV lights. Multiple instruments allow cross-validation of results.
Confirm whether the appraisal process includes spectral analysis and whether the lab can provide charts or raw data to support the conclusions.
Verify that appraisers hold international gem certification such as FGA, DGA, or GIC, with verifiable professional resumes.
Check whether the team has teaching, research, or judicial appraisal experience.
Look for reports containing unique serial numbers, high-resolution photos, and detailed descriptions of weight, dimensions, color, and transparency.
Confirm that treatment status (e.g., natural A-grade or treated) is clearly indicated and that the certificate can be verified online.
Certificates should clearly indicate if the jade is B-grade (acid-treated and resin-filled) or C-grade (dyed), with supporting test results.
Check typical appraisal costs (around NT$1,000–5,000 per item, approximately $35 - $160) and turnaround time (usually 1–7 days) and whether express service is available.
Ask to preview a sample certificate to verify completeness of information.
Confirm whether the lab explains the results after appraisal, helping you understand why the jade is natural A-grade or treated.
Labs willing to explain the reasoning are generally more professional and trustworthy.
You don’t need to ask all at once, but these questions help quickly evaluate a lab’s professionalism and transparency:
Credentials:
“What official certifications or lab accreditations do you currently hold? Do you have ISO 17025 or similar qualifications?”
Testing Methods & Equipment:
“What instruments are typically used for jadeite appraisal? Can you provide spectral charts or data for reference?”
Appraiser Background:
“Who will actually perform the appraisal? Can I see their certifications or professional background?”
Certificate Verification:
“Can the certificate be verified online by serial number? What is the verification website?”
Treatment Detection:
“Does the appraisal check for B-grade or C-grade treatments? Will the certificate clearly indicate this?”
Costs & Timeline:
“How much does appraisal typically cost? How long does it take? Are there any additional fees?”
Result Explanation:
“After the appraisal, can you explain why the jade was determined to be natural A-grade or treated?”
Based on the above criteria, here are some reputable jade appraisal labs in Taiwan, organized by region:
Hong Kong Gem Appraisal Lab – Taipei (Ouyang Qiumei)
Specializes in A/B/C-grade jadeite evaluation and 4C2T1V grading. Uses HOKLAS-certified instruments. Its certificates are recognized internationally and it has trained over 300 students across Greater China.
Taiwan United Gem & Jade Appraisal Center (TULAB)
Equipped with Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and other core instruments for jade and coral appraisal. Certificates are comprehensive, verifiable online, and the lab offers stable, transparent service.
Arthur Gem Appraisal Lab
Known for clear processes and detailed explanations, with a focus on transparent evaluation. Ideal for clients who want to understand the appraisal reasoning.
Taiwan Gemological Research Lab
Provides jewelry and jadeite appraisal services, a reliable and commonly used lab in central Taiwan for general appraisal needs.
Wei Sikai Gem Appraisal Consulting Ltd.
A reputable lab in Kaohsiung with extensive experience, suitable for clients seeking detailed reports and treatment assessment.
UPS (Da Zhong) Gem Institute
A stable lab providing basic appraisal and certification services, ideal for general jade evaluation in southern Taiwan.
Note: Each lab’s expertise, equipment, and certificate recognition may differ. Choose a lab based on your purpose: collection, trading, preservation, or resale, and confirm appraisal scope and certificate details before submitting.
Jade appraisal isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Depending on your goal, different types of labs may be more appropriate:
Choose: Transparent labs that provide clear explanations.
Focus on complete certificates, online verification, and clear reasoning.
Suitable for: personal wear, beginner collections, market purchases.
Choose: Professional labs with full equipment and market-recognized certificates.
Emphasis on cross-validation, data-supported conclusions, and traceable certificates.
Suitable for: mid-to-high value jade, collector pieces, resale or inheritance.
Choose: Labs with international recognition or certificates accepted in global markets.
Prefer ISO/IEC 17025, HOKLAS, or certificates recognized by international auctions.
Suitable for: auction submissions, international trading, investment-grade jade.
Choose: Neutral labs willing to explain data and analysis.
Purpose: understanding the logic and data behind appraisal, not just an additional certificate.
Suitable for: questioning treatment status, discrepancies between buyer and seller, legal or dispute evidence.
Professional jade appraisal is not just about choosing the most famous lab, but selecting one that matches your current needs, provides clear explanations, and allows you to understand the results—not just receive a certificate.
Selecting jade isn’t only about color or price—it’s a skill of understanding processes, interpreting data, and making informed decisions:
Understand the appraisal process, not just the certificate
Choose a lab based on your needs, not its fame
Data and analysis outweigh subjective opinions
Stay rational and follow clear evaluation standards
Professional jade buyers focus on complete information, transparent processes, and evidence-based evaluation. Every purchase is not just a piece of jade—it’s a reliable and trustworthy investment.
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