More and more people have a 365nm UV Jade Identification flashlight now. Usually, if jade is a B+C fake jade or has filling enhancements, under 365nm ultraviolet light, B+C jadeite or filling enhancements will show fluorescence.
So, if a bangle shows fluorescence under 356um UV light, it must be fake?
No really.
First, the wax will show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light.
Waxing is a typical finishing process to improve the jadeite’s looks. Waxing is not considered an enhancement treatment as it does not alter the characteristics of the jadeite in any way. Please check this link.
The wax will show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light. A lot of times, wax residue remains on the surface of the bangle after the last step of polishing. When a limited amount of wax residue is found, whether alongside the crack or on top of the rough surface, it does not automatically make the jadeite fake or B+C.
Let’s check the photos
When under 365nm UV light, the wax shows fluorescence. But it is different compared to a B+C Jadeite jade. The wax residue just surfaces, limited, or alongside fill in the crack or rough surface.
This photo shows the difference in fluorescence between waxing and B+C bangle under 356nm UV light.
Please note, I’m talking about the final polish process, waxing. Not the one that uses paraffin wax boiled and pressured with jade (wax immersed jadeite). That way, the paraffin wax no longer stays on the surface but enters the internal structure of the jadeite. It is not considered as type A jadeite.
Please check the photos or video to see what is the difference between waxing and wax immersed jadeite.
photos may not be so clear, please check 2 videos
The second exception is a bangle with a lot of cotton sponges.
This is relativity rare. When jadeite contains fluorescent minerals such as Zeolite, Kaolinite, nepheline, montmorillonite, etc, it can show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light.
Cotton sponges (white cotton or cloud area) is a mineral impurity, but it does not disqualify a Type A jadeite. Under the ultra flashlight, sometimes cotton sponges have a light (not shiny) fluorescence-like appearance. It is just the way some specifically mineral cotton sponges react to the light. They are considered imperfections but not fake.
In the past ten years, the jewellery industry has begun to use organic resins to replace traditional paraffin wax to make the coverage more durable. It has the same function as wax. As long as it is not poured into the jade with pressure or completely infiltrated, it is also considered acceptable.
If a bangle doesn’t show fluorescence under 356um UV light, it must be real?
Not necessary. It could be glass, Non-fluorescence plastic, or other cheaper type of rock.
If a jadeite jade bangle was made in Myanmar, it has big chance with polished powder dyed. Because that is the part of the processing habit in Myanmar. The 356nm UV light cannot detect polished powder dyed jade (photo 9, both green and purple are polished powder dyed color).
Most of the bangles in my store don’t have wax. If a product has wax, I will state this in the item description. If wax wasn’t mentioned in the item description, that means the product doesn’t have wax.
If you don't agree with me or you feel wax is unacceptable, the simplest way is don’t order the one that has wax stated in the item description. Thanks for your understanding.