China trip 2018, update possible design solution
Aug 4, 2018 21:23:30 GMT -5
quartz, rockpickerforever, and 7 more like this
Post by kk on Aug 4, 2018 21:23:30 GMT -5
Went on my annual trip to China in search of some yellow skinned nephrite like the one I found two years ago....
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
Last year there was none to be had. This time round, there where nearly 30 sellers, yet the prices had gone up 15 to 20 fold. At first, I could not understand, but then, I went to the indoor-shops, and things became very clear. This type of nephrite has become incredibly popular, and could be had just about everywhere as finished product. I like it, but I do not have to have it. I'm not going to blow my budget on a single piece of stone......
Other visible trends this year: Amber holds strong and has now displaced virtually all agate offerings to outdoor stalls. Agate offerings hold strong too, yet I feel that there is more "enhanced" material on offer. Madagascar material is still strongly represented, but offerings like the one below have diminished in quantity.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
There is a noticeable increase of agate carvings
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
And was told that what they call "Harlequin" is agate too.....
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
..... not jasper, as previously presumed
The use of that kind of agate has now surpassed the quantity of jade carvings in this market..
One other thing that seems to be coming strongly at this time, is pearls......
Turquoise on the other hand is on the way out. There are hardly any shops offering now.
So with nothing of interest (have to research Harlequin agate first before committing) on offer in the rough, I ended up with a few pieces of agate and I suspect a serpentine.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
I think the pattern on the agate is shallow and colour has been achieved due to heating, so my plan is to cut into half sideways to preserve colour and pattern, and then carve the reverse in what I presume to be clear material.
The presumed serpentine, is the winner this year.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
Have been after this material for a while, and price reversed from the nephrite I looked for. Was very expensive in the past, but found this piece at a steal. Don't know yet what to do with it (motive to carve), but something will come up to fit the pattern, i'm sure, in time.
Suggestions?
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on FlickrLast year there was none to be had. This time round, there where nearly 30 sellers, yet the prices had gone up 15 to 20 fold. At first, I could not understand, but then, I went to the indoor-shops, and things became very clear. This type of nephrite has become incredibly popular, and could be had just about everywhere as finished product. I like it, but I do not have to have it. I'm not going to blow my budget on a single piece of stone......
Other visible trends this year: Amber holds strong and has now displaced virtually all agate offerings to outdoor stalls. Agate offerings hold strong too, yet I feel that there is more "enhanced" material on offer. Madagascar material is still strongly represented, but offerings like the one below have diminished in quantity.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on FlickrThere is a noticeable increase of agate carvings
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on FlickrAnd was told that what they call "Harlequin" is agate too.....
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr..... not jasper, as previously presumed
The use of that kind of agate has now surpassed the quantity of jade carvings in this market..
One other thing that seems to be coming strongly at this time, is pearls......
Turquoise on the other hand is on the way out. There are hardly any shops offering now.
So with nothing of interest (have to research Harlequin agate first before committing) on offer in the rough, I ended up with a few pieces of agate and I suspect a serpentine.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on FlickrI think the pattern on the agate is shallow and colour has been achieved due to heating, so my plan is to cut into half sideways to preserve colour and pattern, and then carve the reverse in what I presume to be clear material.
The presumed serpentine, is the winner this year.
China 2018 search of stones by Kainzer Kurt, on FlickrHave been after this material for a while, and price reversed from the nephrite I looked for. Was very expensive in the past, but found this piece at a steal. Don't know yet what to do with it (motive to carve), but something will come up to fit the pattern, i'm sure, in time.
Suggestions?
Nice finds and great insight. 
