Confirm the material and treatment
Ask whether the piece is jadeite, nephrite or another material, and request a report from a recognised gem laboratory. For significant purchases, verify the report number directly with the issuing lab. A seller's 'natural' wording can be ambiguous, so obtain treatment status in writing.
Use a report, not a torch test
Colour under transmitted light, a tapping sound or a short video cannot establish species or treatment. A qualified gemological examination is more reliable. Check that the report describes the exact item being sold, not a similar sample.
Judge beauty separately from claims
Look at colour, translucency, texture, carving and workmanship in neutral light. Some buyers value an even vivid green, others prefer a subtler tone or cultural motif. Avoid pressure that the item is 'last chance', guaranteed to appreciate or uniquely lucky.
Make a protected purchase
Compare prices with transparent sellers, obtain an itemised receipt and written return terms, and have a high-value piece independently reviewed within that period. Keep the report and transaction records together. Cultural significance deserves careful buying, not rushed buying.