Collection: Fine Guatemalan Green Jadeite Jade

As demand for jade increases, further exploration of Guatemala's resources has produced a significant yield of fine material. Due to fracturing, most of this material can only be cut into small beads and cabs - though larger stones may occasionally come out.

Unfortunately, the Chinese market is dedicated to devaluing much of the Guatemalan material by spreading myths: Saying that Guatemalan jade changes color and other fallacies in an effort to drive down prices.

So what does that mean for the fine green Guatemalan material?

Often, this material is sold without proper disclosure of origin. Many sellers tout this material as Burmese, but the trained eye can tell the difference.

The fine Guatemalan green material tends to have a slightly bluer hue than fine Burmese material, which can be hard to detect without comparison. Additionally, fine Guatemalan green often has a darker rim around the edge that serves as a reliable indicator.

Be warned of buying Guatemalan jade from some online sellers. Because this material tends to be highly fractured and only gem quality in small "veins," many cabochons are hollowed out and backed with foil to give the impression of a heavier, higher-quality stone. 

Mason-Kay will never sell hollow jade cabochons without disclosure, and will only sell them in very, very special circumstances. None of our current jade stock is hollow or foil-backed, and every piece has been tested and is guaranteed free of treatments such as dyes and polymer, resin, and wax impregnation.