The larger the raw jadeite, the more expensive it is. This isn't just merchants inflating prices; it's about practical value, which dictates that larger raw jadeite will command higher prices.
It's not that bigger things are more impressive, but rather because larger raw jadeite offers a wider scope for what can be made from it after it's opened!
For instance, large decorative pieces. You can't take a fist-sized stone, meticulously carve it into components, and then assemble them with glue, can you?
That would look so bad.
Especially under bright lights and a strong flashlight, the traces left by glue would be even more unsightly!
It would be like defecating on white jade. Who would want to collect such a piece to display at home or give as a gift? It would be an insult to the recipient.
However, large stones can be excellently used to create large decorative pieces. And because large stones are relatively rare, large decorative pieces are even rarer, making the collection value and appreciation potential of jadeite decorative pieces almost on par with jadeite cabochons!
As long as one isn't an idiot and the stone itself is fine, most people would certainly not carve large stones into bracelets, pendants, or similar items.
"Brother Li, look over there. There are also many large raw jadeite stones. This is quite rare in the Jiangcheng area," Lin Xiaoyu said, her eyes sparkling.
Li Yang nodded and replied, "This is Yunnan province, after all, close to southern Myanmar, which is incredibly rich in raw jadeite. Naturally, there's more raw jadeite here, and larger pieces are more common."
"Mr. Li, you have a professional understanding of jadeite." Hearing his words, Long Lingling, who was leading the way, turned to look at him. "Most people wouldn't specifically differentiate between types of raw jadeite."
"It's just a matter of being precise. Sometimes, being rigorous is better," Li Yang said with a smile.
Long Lingling nodded. As the publicly acknowledged manager of such a large jadeite gambling stone market, she naturally pursued caution and rigor in all matters, big or small, and strongly agreed with Li Yang's statement.
Smiling, she asked, "Then, in Mr. Li's opinion, between mountain-sourced, water-sourced, and pit-sourced raw jadeite, which type is better?"
"There's no absolute answer," Li Yang said after thinking for a moment. "From my experience of indulging in jadeite gambling over the years, both good and bad can be found in raw jadeite of any type."
"However, if I had to say which one I personally prefer, it would naturally be water-sourced more."
"Oh? And why is that?" Long Lingling asked curiously.
Li Yang chuckled, "Most water-sourced jadeite falls from mountains into water, and mountains initially rise from flat ground. In my view, such raw jadeite first experienced the scenery on the ground, then the scenery on the mountains, and finally fell into the water. It can be said to have the richest experiences."
"Mr. Li is truly humorous." Long Lingling covered her mouth and chuckled. She hadn't expected Li Yang's preference for water-sourced jadeite to be for such a reason; she had thought he would launch into a lengthy discourse!
What an unexpected man.
Seeing them chatting and laughing, Lin Xiaoyu couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Brother Li, what are mountain-sourced, water-sourced, and pit-sourced jadeite? It feels like water-sourced is like something fished out of water."
"You're quite right, water-sourced is indeed fished out of water. There are jadeite mines in the mountains of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, and such raw jadeite is called mountain-sourced. During natural changes like heavy rain or earthquakes, landslides occur, and some raw jadeite falls into lakes or rivers at the foot of the mountains, which are then called water-sourced."
Li Yang explained with a smile, "As for the raw jadeite that is currently popular worldwide, most of it is produced in southern Myanmar. Because the raw jadeite in southern Myanmar is generally buried underground, pits need to be dug, hence it's also called pit-sourced. The jadeite mines in southern Myanmar are also referred to as jadeite pit mines."
"When people talk about 'old pit' or 'new pit,' they are generally referring to stones from southern Myanmar."
"So that's how it is." Lin Xiaoyu suddenly understood. "But why have I never seen anyone sell water-sourced or mountain-sourced jadeite?"
"You definitely have. It's just that the jadeite produced in China is almost all mountain-sourced and water-sourced, and the quantity is extremely small, with little fame. Moreover, because the reputation of Myanmar jadeite is so great and its audience is so large, for the sake of better sales, even if someone sells domestically produced mountain-sourced and water-sourced jadeite, they will mostly tell you it's from southern Myanmar." Li Yang said.
This is similar to how the well-known Daoxiangcun pastry shop in Beijing is known for its delicious traditional Chinese pastries and has a great reputation in the pastry circle. Consequently, some places have also put up similar signs and intentionally misled consumers, especially with advertisements like 'The taste of old Beijing.'
This leads some online shoppers, when comparing Daoxiangcun from different places, to excitedly place orders for the latter because it's cheaper, thinking they are the same. But upon receiving and tasting them, they exclaim, "Good heavens, why doesn't it taste like the one I had before!"
Currently, few people would "eat" raw jadeite. The differences between stones from different regions are not significant; even experts might not be able to tell.
If they can tell and the gamble fails? That's normal and they wouldn't pay too much attention, allowing others to get away with it.
Lin Xiaoyu sighed and said, "When will our own jadeite be able to be sold under our own brand name?"
"That day will come," Li Yang firmly believed.
Long Lingling looked at them and said, "It seems you are not ordinary people, especially Mr. Li. Your understanding of jadeite's professional knowledge is beyond that of an average person."
Who would bother understanding mountain, water, and pit sources?
Most likely, they would only research things like 'type' and 'water' (clarity and texture).
"We are actually just ordinary people, merely engaged in related industries," Li Yang replied with a smile.
Long Lingling looked at him and asked, "Is Mr. Li a scholar in this field, or a professional appraiser?"
"The latter," Li Yang said with a smile.
A scholar, by definition, is someone who conducts research, pursues academic knowledge, publishes papers, and writes books. They have the obligation and responsibility to summarize and disseminate the industry's insights they possess through written or other means to others.
These individuals, when entering the jadeite industry, rarely engage in speculative stone gambling or jadeite trading. Instead, they focus on examining and researching stones and their origins.
It can be said that many professional insights and secrets that prevent people from being cheated are largely thanks to this group of people.
Otherwise, it's impossible for newcomers to enter the industry without being fleeced to the bone!
"Miss Long, do many scholars come here?"
"Yes, some scholars do come here for research because there are many stones here," Long Lingling nodded slightly. "However, the most noteworthy person I am about to introduce you to is this one."
"He is not only a scholar but also an appraiser and a collector. He holds multiple identities, which is quite extraordinary."
"Oh?" Li Yang became somewhat expectant.
Reaching the door of the VIP lounge, Long Lingling knocked and said in a calm tone, "Professor Ning, excuse me, may I come in?"