Jade among the common folk

Before the Sui Dynasty (581-618 A.D.), jade was exclusively for royals and aristocrats. The Song Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.) saw the prevalence of jade markets. Common people began to develop a closer relationship with jade. Such a relationship did not end at one's death: if included in the funeral objects, jade would safeguard one's soul to heaven.

Ancient Chinese believed that the soul continued to live in the tomb after one's death, on the condition that the remains were well preserved. They tried every means to protect the body from rotting, and believed that jade had special effects in this regard.

How to distinguish between genuine and fake jade?

1. The weight of the piece. Jade is heavier than regular glass or resin. You can feel the heavy sensation of jadeite in your palm when you are handling it.

2. Observe carefully, as there are usually tiny air bubbles in fake jade.

3. Jade is more durable than glass. No high-relief decorations can be embossed on glass due to its fragility.

4. The most accurate way to discern the difference is to break the piece. If the piece is made from jade, then the inside should be composed by tiny mineral particles you can see. However, if it is made from glass, the broken surface should be smooth with a glassy pattern.