How to Choose a Jade Bangle: Size, Quality & Price Guide 2026
Buying your first jade bangle can feel overwhelming. There are so many grades, colours, and price points — how do you know what's real and what's worth the money?
This guide covers everything you need to know before making your first purchase.
WHAT MAKES JADE VALUABLE
Not all jade is created equal. The three factors that determine a jade bangle's value are:
1. Translucency (种水) — Can light pass through the stone? The more translucent, the more valuable.
2. Colour — Vivid, evenly distributed colour commands higher prices. Imperial green is the most prized.
3. Texture — A fine, smooth grain feels silky to the touch. Coarse grain feels gritty.
UNDERSTANDING JADE GRADES
- Icy Grade (冰种): Near-transparent, glass-like clarity. Museum and collector level. USD 25,000+
- Glutinous-Icy Grade (糯冰种): Semi-transparent with a luminous glow. High-end investment pieces. USD 3,000–25,000
- Glutinous Grade (糯种): Slightly translucent, like warm rice soup. The widest range — from everyday wear to fine pieces. USD 300–5,000
- Bean Grade (豆种): Opaque with visible grain. Affordable entry point for those new to jade. Under USD 80
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR BANGLE SIZE
There are two methods:
Method 1: Ruler Method
Flatten your hand (exclude thumb) and measure the widest part of your palm with a ruler.
Method 2: Tape Method
Pinch all five fingers together tightly and wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part. Note the circumference.
SIZE CHART:
Ruler Width → Tape Circumference → Bangle Inner Diameter
62–64mm → 130–150mm → 50–52mm
66–70mm → 150–170mm → 52–54mm
70–74mm → 170–190mm → 54–56mm
74–78mm → 190–210mm → 56–58mm
78–82mm → 210–230mm → 58–60mm
82mm+ → 230mm+ → 60mm+
Tip: If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. You can always adjust with a soft band, but you cannot stretch a bangle.
HOW TO VERIFY AUTHENTICITY
The only reliable way to verify jade is through a certified gemological laboratory. In China, the gold standard is NGTC (National Gemstone Testing Center).
Every Maison Yiqi jade bangle comes with an NGTC certificate. You can verify any certificate yourself at ngtc.com.cn by entering the certificate number.
What to check on the certificate:
- Result must say "翡翠" (Jadeite)
- No treatment indicators — B treatment means bleached and polymer-filled, C treatment means dyed. Neither is natural jade.
READY TO FIND YOURS?
Browse our collection of NGTC-certified jade bangles — every piece is hand-selected and ships direct from Sihui, China's heart of jade craftsmanship.