Technical Resources

Documentation

Complete guides, API references, and technical specifications for collectors and developers.

Overview Authentication Restoration Guide API Reference Jade Care FAQ

Welcome to the Jade Carving Documentation v2.4

This documentation provides comprehensive technical information about our jade authentication services, restoration processes, and collector resources. Whether you are a museum curator, auction house specialist, or private collector, you will find the technical specifications and procedural guidelines you need.

Our documentation is organized into the following sections:

  • Authentication & Appraisal — Material analysis, provenance research, and value assessment methodologies
  • Restoration Guide — Museum-standard conservation procedures for jade artifacts
  • API Reference — Programmatic access to authentication reports and catalog data
  • Jade Care — Preservation guidelines for jade collections

Note

This documentation is updated quarterly. Last updated: March 2026. For urgent matters, contact our technical team at tech@jadecarving.studio

Authentication & Appraisal

Material Analysis Process

Our authentication process combines traditional gemological examination with modern materials science to provide definitive identification of jade and assessment of its properties.

Analysis Methods

  • Optical Microscopy — 10x–200x magnification for surface texture and microstructure examination
  • Spectroscopy — FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for mineral composition verification
  • Density Measurement — Hydrostatic weighing for specific gravity determination
  • Refractometry — RI measurement for jadeite vs. nephrite differentiation
  • XRF Analysis — Trace element profiling for geographic origin determination
Property Nephrite Range Jadeite Range
Specific Gravity 2.90 – 3.03 3.24 – 3.43
Refractive Index 1.606 – 1.632 1.644 – 1.667
Hardness (Mohs) 6.0 – 6.5 6.5 – 7.0
Composition Calcium magnesium iron silicate Sodium aluminum silicate

Authentication Certificate

Upon completion of analysis, you will receive a comprehensive certificate including:

  1. Detailed material identification report
  2. Photographic documentation (UV, visible, IR)
  3. Provenance research summary
  4. Market value assessment
  5. Condition report with conservation recommendations

Restoration Guide

Conservation Principles

All restoration work follows the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Code of Ethics and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Guidelines. Our fundamental principle: minimal intervention, maximum preservation.

Important

Never attempt to clean or repair antique jade with commercial cleaning products. Acidic substances, solvents, and abrasive materials can cause irreversible damage. Always consult a professional conservator.

Common Restoration Procedures

  • Surface Cleaning — Soft brush and deionized water, never mechanical abrasion
  • Stabilization — Paraloid B-72 in acetone for cracked pieces (reversible)
  • Loss Compensation — Colored wax fills matched to original surface
  • Re-polishing — Only when original surface treatment can be confirmed

Documentation Requirements

Before any restoration work begins, we require:

  1. Written authorization from the artifact owner or custodian
  2. Condition report with photographic documentation
  3. Provenance documentation (if available)
  4. Insurance confirmation for pieces over $50,000

API Reference REST

Our API provides programmatic access to catalog data, authentication reports, and collection management tools. API access is available to registered partners including museums, auction houses, and verified collectors.

Base URL

https://api.jadecarving.studio/v2/

Authentication

All API requests require Bearer token authentication. Obtain your token from the developer portal.

Authorization: Bearer <your-api-token>

Endpoints

Method Endpoint Description
GET /catalog List all cataloged pieces
GET /catalog/{id} Get specific catalog entry
GET /authentication/{id} Get authentication report
POST /inquiries Submit new inquiry
GET /collection/{owner} Get collection data

Rate Limits

Standard tier: 1,000 requests/hour. Enterprise tier: 10,000 requests/hour. Contact api@jadecarving.studio for higher limits.

Jade Care & Preservation

Environmental Guidelines

Proper storage and display conditions are essential for the long-term preservation of jade artifacts. The following guidelines apply to most jade pieces:

Parameter Recommended Range Maximum Tolerance
Temperature 18°C – 22°C (65°F – 72°F) 15°C – 28°C
Relative Humidity 40% – 55% 35% – 65%
Light Exposure < 200 lux 300 lux (max 3 hrs/day)
UV Radiation 0 μW/lumen < 75 μW/lumen

Handling Guidelines

  • Always handle jade with clean, dry hands
  • Support pieces from below; never lift by handles or projections
  • Place on padded, non-abrasive surfaces during examination
  • Use cotton or silk gloves when handling highly polished pieces
  • Keep away from perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning solvents

Cleaning Schedule

For displayed pieces, gentle cleaning with a soft, lint-free cloth every 2–3 months is sufficient. For stored pieces, annual inspection and cleaning is recommended. Never use ultrasonic cleaners on antique or cracked jade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between jadeite and nephrite?

Jadeite and nephrite are two distinct minerals both commonly called "jade." Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) is the harder, rarer variety, typically more translucent and valuable. Nephrite (Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) is slightly softer but tougher, with a more waxy luster. Imperial jade is always jadeite; traditional Chinese jade carvings were typically nephrite.

How long does a custom commission take?

Commission timelines vary based on complexity. A simple pendant takes 3–4 months. A medium-sized vessel requires 8–12 months. Major sculptural works can take 2–3 years from design approval to completion. We provide detailed timelines during the consultation phase.

Can you match an existing jade piece I own?

We can analyze your existing piece to identify the jade type and color characteristics. Finding an exact match depends on the availability of compatible rough stone, which we will source globally if necessary. This may extend the timeline and cost of a commission.

Do you provide insurance appraisals?

Yes. Our authentication certificates include market value assessments suitable for insurance purposes. For pieces over $500,000, we recommend a supplementary appraisal from a certified gemologist (GG or FGA), which we can arrange.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank wire transfer, major credit cards (3% processing fee), and cryptocurrency (USDC or BTC) for commissions over $50,000. A 50% deposit is required to begin work on bespoke commissions; the balance is due upon completion.