Author: Chen Yi Chong, GIC and Certified Gemologist from the Chinese Ministry of Light Industry & GJA Jadeite Appraisal and Trading Specialist

Foreword
As a gem appraiser, I am particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the jewelry market, especially jadeite, which I am often invited to professionally evaluate. Over the course of a year, I’ve seen quite a number of rare and exceptional pieces.

However, the person who most frequently challenges me with gemstones is my childhood friend, A-Jun. A-Jun has always been passionate about gems, and he often brings me his latest acquisitions to show off—and to test me. But this time, he came not to challenge me, but with a face full of anxiety.
“Disaster!

Tomorrow is my mother-in-law’s 70 birthday, and I got so busy that I forgot to prepare a gift! Just now, my wife asked about it, and in a panic, I said I already had something ready. I need to go out and get it right away!”
As soon as he said it, I couldn’t help but laugh.
A- Jun’s mother-in-law had been quite kind to him. When he started his business, she even invested to help him out. As such, the gift for such a senior and benefactor couldn’t be anything too casual.

But if it were too expensive, his pocket would be empty, and he’d worry about making her feel uncomfortable, so it was a real dilemma.
I flipped through a magazine on the table and pointed to the cover. “Look at this.”
A-Jun leaned over, skeptically flipping through the pages and reading aloud: “Longserving… Imperial Green Jadeite? Is it synthetic?”
I nodded. “The key point is the color.” I pointed to the vibrant green in the photo. “Imperial Green has always been the epitome of jadeite. It’s bright, transparent, and exudes a strong aura.”

A-Jun stared at the magazine for a long while, and his expression gradually softened.
“That’s right! She’s into gem appreciation. She will definitely like it.”
That day, he went straight to the flagship store in Taipei and made the purchase. Later, I heard that on the day of the birthday banquet, his mother-in-law’s eyes lit up, and she praised him, saying, “This child is really thoughtful.”
A-Jun came back triumphant, telling me that my suggestion had really worked!