[Jewelry making - Article 00189] - Re: [Orchid] Yellow Turquoise

[coralnut]

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Susan,

    You are right...the Chinese can use the term 'yu' to loosely
    describe a number of gemstones.  Essentially, the character is
    translated as: Jade, gem, or imperial.  It has over the years been
    used to describe fine agate, jade and nephrite of all kinds of
    quality, and even very fine translucent serpentine.  But it has
    always been associated with perfection, excellent workmanship, and
    high quality, i.e., imperial quality. In more modern times however,
    the term 'yu' has been intended more exclusively for nephrite and/or
    jadeite as the Chinese are very familiar with modern mineral and gem
    terms.  The Chinese language also has specific terms to describe the
    quality and color of the jade...such as kingfisher jade ( highly
    prized) or mutton fat jade, etc.  They do not commonly use this term
    to describe common rocks or low quality stones. 

    I doubt it is a problem of language translation and, when speaking
    with Chinese about jade and other gemstones, in either Chinese or
    English, I have never experienced any confusion. 

    Unfortunately, I do believe there are those who tend to throw these
    terms around just to confuse the buying public.  It is a marketing
    thing...not a mineralogical or language thing and I still believe it
    is bad for the industry overall. 

    I would  agree with you about the 'content labeling' thing except
    the food industry can't even keep that straight either.  By the way,
    if any out there have seen the recent (Jan/Feb) copy of Rocks and
    Minerals, there is an outstanding special on Minerals of China.  It
    shows just how sophisticated the Chinese have become in that field. 
    Thanks for your input and I am sure our exchange will probably have
    little or no effect on the overall market...don't you agree? 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net

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