How to Verify a Jadeite Certificate: Step-by-Step Check

Why does a jadeite certificate matter?

Treated jadeite (Type B and Type C) can look very similar to natural, untreated Type A jadeite, and the most important treatments cannot be reliably seen with the naked eye or a loupe. A certificate from a recognized lab is how the market confirms what a piece actually is. But a certificate is only useful if it is real and belongs to the piece in front of you.

If you are new to the grades, start with Type A vs Type B vs Type C jadeite.

What information is on a jadeite certificate?

Most gem lab certificates include:

Item	What it tells you	What to check
Certificate number	Unique ID for this report	Look it up on the lab's official site
Conclusion	The name of the material	Natural jadeite, no treatment noted
Photo	The exact piece tested	Shape, color and markings match
Total weight	Weight of the item, in grams	Matches the listing
Dimensions / shape	Size of the piece	Matches the listing (e.g. bangle inner diameter)
Refractive index, density	Physical properties measured	Jadeite is typically around 1.66 and 3.33
Lab name, stamp, accreditation marks	Who issued it	For Chinese labs, look for marks such as CMA and CNAS

How do I read the conclusion line?

This is the single most important line. On certificates from Chinese labs:

• 翡翠 (jadeite) — natural jadeite with no treatment detected. This is what the trade calls Type A.
• 翡翠（处理） (jadeite, treated) — treatment was detected, such as acid bleaching with resin filling (Type B) or dyeing (Type C).

On English-language reports, look for "jadeite" and check whether any treatment is listed, such as "impregnated", "polymer" or "dyed".

Also watch for other stone names. A piece that is sold as "jade" but certified as quartzite, nephrite or another material is not jadeite, even if the certificate itself is genuine.

How do I verify a certificate step by step?

1. Identify the lab. Find the lab's full name on the certificate.
2. Go to the lab's official website yourself. Search for the lab by name. Do not rely only on a QR code or a link printed on the certificate or sent by the seller — those can point to a look-alike site.
3. Enter the certificate number (and any verification code) in the lab's online lookup.
4. Compare the online record with the paper certificate: photo, conclusion, weight and dimensions should all match.
5. Compare both with the listing: the piece in the photos and video should match the certificate photo, and the weight and size should agree.
6. Read the conclusion line as described above.

If any step fails — the lab cannot be found, the number returns nothing, or the details do not match — treat the certificate as unverified.

What are the red flags?

• The lab has no official website or online lookup you can find yourself.
• The lookup result shows a different photo, weight or shape.
• The conclusion mentions treatment, or names a different stone.
• The seller only offers a photo of a certificate and cannot give the number.
• One certificate is used for several different pieces.

How does JadeiteHub handle certificates?

We only list jadeite that comes with a lab certificate. Every piece that sells is sent to our inspection center, where it is checked against its certificate before it ships. If the piece does not match its description, you receive a full refund. You can still verify the certificate number yourself at any time — we encourage it.

See also: how to buy jadeite from China safely and how to choose a jadeite bangle size.