Insider tip - Shopping for Jade in the Hong Kong Jade Market
Great for cheap souvenirs but use a shop for expensive Jade
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,500+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
A blog post with a difference
Please do visit Hong Kong in 2025 | Travel, Tourism, Tours, Tips, Daily Life and my personal thoughts on Hong Kong.
Hong Kong | Pearl of the Orient
Customised Private Tours & Experiences in Amazing Hong Kong
Pearl of the Orient
Private Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Sightseeing Tours City Tours Night Tours Transit Tours Shore Excursions
Carefully Crafted Personalised and Customised Itineraries by Jamie | Hong Kong’s Most Experienced Private Tour Guide For :
Solo Travellers Friends Families Seniors Couples Business People
J3 Group Hong Kong | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong
Creating Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
Book Now
Insider tip - Shopping for Jade in the Hong Kong Jade Market
Great for cheap souvenirs but use a shop for expensive Jade
click on the image to enlarge
Yes, the jade bracelet on the left is on sale for HK$15,050,000 or US$1,930,000 and no, you would not buy jade like this in essentially what is a street market in Hong Kong, this was in a shop display of a very reliable jewellery retailer in Hong Kong
I have been to the Jade Market in Hong Kong many times over the decades and since I have been a Private Tour Guide I get asked all the time about where to buy jade and pearls, I will cover pearls in another blog post, this one is all about JADE.
My personal opinion is that buying any sort of jade is a tricky business, it is not like the diamond business (which is a lot easier to understand and regulate) and I have always had the suspicion that it is almost impossible to justify buying a very expensive piece of jade.
Put another way, if I was going to blow US$1,930,000 on a piece of jewellery it would be a diamond, ruby or emerald and I would buy from Ronald Abram, Graff, Harry Winston and at a pinch Chow Tai Fook Jewellery in Hong Kong
I did after taking this image go into the jewellery store (Luk Fook Jewellery for the record) and asked the clueless shop assistant about this very expensive jade bangle, he did not bat an eyelid and went to the window display to get the bangle, I was not even offered a drink! as I know just enough to be dangerous when it comes to Jade I asked the chap why it was so expensive and all he came up with is, that the colour was very special and it was from Burma… he was a little out his depth so he called for help and I talked with a senior sales assistant and she was all about the special colour, I pointed out that the bangle next to it was only 10% of the cost and she just smiled and repeated “special colour” I made my excuses and left without the bracelet which was a little beyond my budget
To this day I still cannot fathom why someone would walk into a Jewellery Chain Store (albeit with a solid reputation) and purchase a jade bracelet for US$1,930,000 without so much as a glass of water and an explanation that was heavy on the “special colour” and nothing else. (but they do give you a certificate to say it is real)
Basically I know of a few utterly reliable shops that sell quality jade and I send people there, but more often than not people just want a reasonably priced jade trinket and have the haggling experience and yes, you get what you pay for and therein lies the problem, with jade no matter the cost, you have no real idea if it is worth the price you are paying, only you can decide that, there is no market price and you cannot really do comparisons and when it comes to colour, well that is a fungible thing, with so many shades of green, just how do you know????
So that is where the jade market comes into play, you need to set a budget of how much you are willing to pay and I would say that you need to be looking at around HK$5,000 or US$640 which should get you multiple pieces - anything more than that you should be looking at purchasing in a reliable shop
Remember the Jade Market is basically a street market with 250 - 400 stalls and there is no love lost between the vendors who are quite aggressive and have no issue with interrupting a sale at a rival stall to try and get your business, now there are some vendors who are fine and polite but it is a tricky business trying to identify them and remember this is why would you drop US$10,000 on a piece of jade jewellery from essentially a market stall! go to a shop.
Jade Market Hong Kong: History, Details, and Tips
History of the Jade Market
The Jade Market, officially known as the Yau Ma Tei Jade Hawker Bazaar, began in the early 1950s when jade traders, primarily migrants from Guangzhou, set up stalls on Guangzhou Street in Kowloon. Initially, these were simple ground-level stalls, reflecting the growing demand for jade in Hong Kong, a stone revered in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years for its associations with luck, health, beauty, and immortality.
The market gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly after Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China, when a jade ewer gifted by Chairman Mao sparked global interest in jade, boosting Hong Kong’s jade trade. In 1984, to improve management and traffic flow, the Hong Kong government relocated the market to its current indoor location at the junction of Kansu Street and Battery Street, establishing a structured bazaar with over 400 stalls.
The market’s significance waned slightly over the past 20 years due to competition from mainland China, where fake jade flooded the market, and a lack of standardized certification diminished jade’s status as high-end jewelry, relegating it more to souvenirs and affordable trinkets. Despite this, the Jade Market remains a cultural landmark, complemented by the nearby Jade Street on Canton Road, known for higher-quality jade and gemstone shops. A notable monument, a 4,000 kg jade stone from Burma, was placed at the corner of Canton Road and Jordan Road in 2010 by the Hong Kong Jade Association, marking the area’s historical jade trade legacy.
Opening Details
The Jade Market officially opened in its current form in 1984 at its present location on Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, after moving from Guangzhou Street. It operates as an indoor market under a freeway overpass, with two sections: the Jade Bazaar and the Jade Market, both offering similar merchandise. The market is easily accessible, about 450 meters southwest of the Yau Ma Tei MTR Station (Exit C) or a short walk from Jordan MTR Station (Exit A).
Number of Stalls
The Jade Market comprises approximately 400 registered stalls, split between two zones: Zone A with around 340 stalls and Zone B with about 100 stalls. These stalls are tightly packed, offering a bustling atmosphere. Additionally, Jade Street, a section of Canton Road between Kansu Street and Jordan Road, features numerous permanent jewelry shops specializing in jade and gemstones, complementing the market’s offerings.
Products on Sale
The Jade Market offers a wide variety of jade products, including:
Jewelry: Pendants, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and amulets, often featuring Chinese zodiac symbols or lucky charms like Buddha figurines.
Decorative Items: Carvings, statuettes, beads, loose stones, and souvenirs such as jade chopsticks, mahjong sets, and traditional Chinese coins.
Other Gemstones: Pearls (white, pink, black), semi-precious stones like agate, tiger-eye, malachite, coral, turquoise, and mother of pearl.
Miscellaneous: Some stalls offer non-jade items like Chinese fans, drawings, swords, and trinkets, as well as letter-writing services, a traditional practice for tasks like tax declarations or English correspondence, particularly active between April and October.
The market primarily caters to mid-range and affordable items, with prices varying widely based on quality. High-end jade is less common, often held by private collectors or sold in nearby Jade Street shops.
Opening Hours
The Jade Market operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though some sources indicate hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 11:00 AM to 5:45 PM, with variations depending on the day or stall. It is typically closed on Sundays, though some stalls may open. Visitors are advised to arrive early, as vendors believe early transactions bring good luck, potentially leading to better deals.
Reputation
The Jade Market has a mixed reputation. It is celebrated as a cultural attraction, offering an immersive experience of Hong Kong’s urban life and jade trade heritage, making it popular with tourists and locals, especially around Chinese New Year when zodiac-themed amulets are sought after. Positive reviews highlight vendors like Sandra Chau (Stall 152), praised for honest dealings, fair prices (e.g., HK$250 for earrings, HK$300 for a bangle), and a pleasant buying experience without aggressive sales tactics. However, some visitors describe the market as a “tourist trap,” citing aggressive vendor behavior, such as grabbing customers or pressuring sales, which can feel overwhelming. The market is known for affordable souvenirs but criticized for inconsistent quality, with risks of fake or low-grade jade (e.g., Grade B or C jadeite, which is treated or dyed, or imitation materials like glass or plastic). For high-quality jade, experts recommend licensed shops endorsed by the Hong Kong Tourism Association (HKTA), which display a red junk sticker and provide certificates of authenticity.
Scandals or Strange Events
No major scandals or strange events are explicitly documented in the provided sources. However, concerns about fake jade have persisted since the market’s peak in the 1970s–1980s, when China’s market liberalization led to an influx of counterfeit jade, impacting the market’s reputation. Complaints about aggressive vendor tactics, such as physical grabbing or high-pressure sales, have been noted, particularly post-COVID, possibly due to reduced tourist traffic. The market’s relocation from its original site (now a construction zone) caused confusion for some returning visitors, but it continues to operate with proper signage at its current location.
Safety for Large Purchases
Spending large amounts at the Jade Market carries risks due to the prevalence of fake or low-quality jade and the lack of standardized certification. Real jade (Grade A jadeite or nephrite) should be cold, smooth, and translucent, ideally green, without bubbles or artificial dyes. However, distinguishing genuine from fake jade requires expertise, as some vendors may sell treated (Grade B/C) or imitation (Grade D) jade. For significant purchases, it is safer to buy from reputable jewelry stores, such as those recommended by the HKTA or established chains like Chinese Arts & Crafts Ltd. or Lukfook Jewellery, which offer certificates of authenticity specifying weight, dimensions, color, and origin. Jade Street shops or M & B Private Jewelers on Wellington Street are also suggested for authentic, mid-range jade with modern designs. At the market, negotiation is expected, but without jade knowledge, buyers risk overpaying or purchasing fakes. For small, affordable purchases (e.g., a few hundred HKD), the market is generally safe, but for high-value items, reputable stores provide greater assurance.
Tips for Tourists and Jade Shoppers
Do Your Homework: Learn to identify real jade (cold to the touch, translucent, no bubbles) versus fake or treated jade. Grade A jadeite is the purest; avoid Grade B (bleached), Grade C (dyed), or Grade D (imitation).
Haggle Smartly: Bargaining is essential, as initial prices may be inflated up to four times the item’s value. Start by offering 40–50% of the quoted price and negotiate firmly but respectfully. Early morning visits may yield better deals.
Stick to a Budget: Affordable items like zodiac pendants or small charms are ideal for souvenirs. For example, jade earrings may cost HK$250, and bangles HK$300 at trusted stalls like Sandra’s. 9
Visit Trusted Vendors: Stalls like Sandra Chau’s (Stall 152) or Irene’s (Stall 278) have positive reviews for honesty and quality. Look for vendors with long-standing reputations or media mentions.
Consider Jade Street: For higher-quality jade or professional authentication, explore Jade Street shops on Canton Road, which offer certificates and expert advice.
Combine with Other Markets: Pair your visit with nearby Temple Street Night Market or other Kowloon markets for a broader cultural experience. Guided tours covering multiple markets are available.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Expect a lively, sometimes chaotic atmosphere with vendors actively attracting customers. Stay firm and browse at your own pace.
Check Authenticity: For significant purchases, request a certificate of authenticity. If unsure, visit HKTA-endorsed shops or consult a gemologist.
Accessibility: The market is easily accessible via MTR (Yau Ma Tei or Jordan stations) and has straightforward access for visitors.
Conclusion
The Jade Market is a must-visit for its cultural vibrancy and vast selection of affordable jade and gemstone products, ideal for souvenirs or small keepsakes. While it has a rich history dating back to the 1950s and remains a tourist favorite, its reputation is mixed due to quality concerns and aggressive sales tactics. For large purchases, reputable jewelry stores with HKTA accreditation or established chains are safer bets to ensure authenticity and value. With preparation and caution, the Jade Market offers a rewarding experience for casual shoppers and jade enthusiasts alike.
click on the image to enlarge
The Jade Market in Hong Kong, great for souvenirs
Please note that trying a lot of these so called tests in the Jade Market is liable to get you thrown out of the stall so to speak with some colourful language aimed at you, you have to be careful and you have been warned!
Understanding Jade
Jade refers to two distinct minerals: jadeite (rarer, more valuable, vibrant colors like green, lavender, or white) and nephrite (more common, often green, brown, or white). Authentic jade is prized for its beauty, durability, and cultural significance in Hong Kong, where it’s believed to bring luck and prosperity. Fake jade can include materials like glass, plastic, dyed quartz, or treated stones (e.g., Grade B or C jade, which is chemically treated or dyed). The goal is to identify Grade A jade (natural, untreated) and avoid imitations or treated stones.
Simple Tests to Verify Jade Authenticity
These tests are beginner-friendly and can be done discreetly at the market or at home. However, they’re not foolproof, so I’ll explain their limitations and combine them with shopping tips for better accuracy.
Visual Inspection (Color and Texture)
What to Do: Hold the jade under a bright light (like sunlight or a flashlight) and examine its color and texture.
What to Look For:
Color Consistency: Genuine jade has a rich, vibrant color with slight variations or natural patterns. It’s often translucent to semi-translucent, reflecting light like water. Fake jade may look too perfect, overly bright, or have unnatural hues (e.g., neon green).
Texture: Real jade feels smooth, waxy, or soapy to the touch with a polished sheen. Look for minor imperfections like pits or uneven surfaces, which are common in authentic jade but absent in glass or plastic imitations.
Bubbles or Cracks: Fake jade, especially glass or resin, may show tiny air bubbles or unnatural cracks when held to light.
How to Apply at the Market
Use your phone’s flashlight to inspect the stone. If it looks too uniform or glassy, be skeptical. Compare multiple pieces to spot differences in texture.
Limitations
High-quality fakes or treated jade (e.g., Grade B, polymer-injected) can mimic real jade’s appearance, so this test alone isn’t enough.
Temperature Test
What to Do: Hold the jade against your cheek or neck for a few seconds, then grip it tightly in your hand for 1–2 minutes.
What to Look For: Real jade feels cool to the touch and stays cool even after being held, due to its high density and thermal properties. Fake jade (like glass or plastic) warms up quickly.
How to Apply at the Market
Discreetly press the jade against your skin while examining it. Vendors may allow this if you’re polite. If it feels warm or heats up fast, it’s likely fake.
Limitations: This test is subjective and less reliable in hot environments like an outdoor market. Compare with a known piece of jade if possible.
Weight/Toss Test
What to Do: Gently toss the jade in the air and catch it in your palm to gauge its weight.
What to Look For: Real jade (jadeite: 3.3 g/cc, nephrite: 2.95 g/cc) feels heavier than it looks due to its high density. Fake jade made of lighter materials like glass or plastic feels hollow or light.
How to Apply at the Market
Ask to hold the piece and subtly toss it in your hand. Be cautious to avoid dropping it, as vendors may not appreciate this.
Limitations: This is imprecise and relies on your sense of weight. It’s best used alongside other tests.
Sound Test
What to Do: If you have a known piece of real jade, gently tap it against the piece in question. Alternatively, tap the jade with a metal object like a coin or key.
What to Look For: Real jade produces a deep, resonant sound. Fake jade (glass or plastic) sounds hollow or like plastic beads clinking.
How to Apply at the Market:
This is harder to do discreetly, so save it for home unless you’re confident and the vendor permits it. Be gentle to avoid damaging the piece.
Limitations: Treated jade (Grade B or C) may still sound authentic, and this test requires experience to interpret the sound accurately.
Scratch Test (Use with Caution)
What to Do: Use a metal object (like a needle or the blunt end of scissors) to lightly scratch an inconspicuous area of the jade (e.g., the underside).
What to Look For: Real jade (Mohs hardness 6–7) is harder than steel (Mohs 5) and won’t scratch easily. If the metal leaves a clear scratch, it’s likely fake or a softer material like soapstone.
How to Apply at the Market
Avoid doing this in front of vendors, as it could damage the piece and upset them. Test at home on a non-visible area.
Limitations: Some jade lookalikes (e.g., quartz or prehnite) are also hard, so this test isn’t definitive. Scratching can devalue even genuine jade if done carelessly.
Shopping Strategies to Avoid Fakes at the Jade Market
Since at-home tests have limitations, especially for a beginner, these strategies will help you make smarter purchases at the Jade Market:
Buy from Reputable Vendors
Look for stalls or nearby shops on Jade Street (Canton Road) displaying the Hong Kong Tourism Association (HKTA) red junk sticker, which indicates regular quality checks. These vendors are more likely to sell authentic jade and provide certificates.
Consider chain stores like Lukfook Jewellery (available across Hong Kong) or M & B Private Jewelers (33 Wellington Street), known for genuine Grade A jade with certificates.
Avoid vendors offering deals that seem too good to be true (e.g., a jade bracelet dropping from HKD 4,800 to a few hundred), as these are often low-quality or fake.
Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity
Request a certificate from a reputable lab like the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory or China’s National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), which are recognized internationally. Certificates should include a photo, certificate number, and details like grade (A, B, or C) and material (jadeite or nephrite).
Verify the certificate by scanning its QR code or checking online (e.g., NGTC’s website: http://gtzy123.com). Be wary of certificates from lesser-known labs, as they may not be trustworthy.
At the Jade Market, high-value pieces may come with certificates, but cheap souvenirs often don’t. If no certificate is offered, assume it’s low-quality or fake unless you’re buying for decorative purposes.
Bargain Wisely
Bargaining is expected at the Jade Market, but prices quoted are often inflated (up to 4x the value). Start by offering 25–50% of the asking price and negotiate respectfully.
If a vendor quickly drops the price significantly, it’s a red flag that the jade is low-quality or fake. Genuine Grade A jade, especially jadeite, is rarely cheap due to its rarity.Know Your Budget and Expectations
For a few hundred HKD, you’re unlikely to find high-quality Grade A jadeite at the Jade Market, as these pieces often cost thousands. Instead, you might find nephrite or low-grade jadeite, which can still be authentic but less valuable.
If you’re looking for affordable souvenirs (e.g., trinkets or charms), the market is fine, but don’t expect investment-grade jade. For higher-quality pieces, visit reputable jewelers or stores along Canton Road near the market.Consult an Expert
If you’re considering a pricey piece, take it to a jeweler or gemologist for professional testing (e.g., density test, infrared spectroscopy). In Hong Kong, EGL Hong Kong (Rm 1808, 18/F Multifield Plaza, Tsim Sha Tsui) offers gem testing services.
At the market, ask vendors if they’re members of the Jade and Gemstone Association of Hong Kong (JGAHK), as members are prohibited from selling fake or treated jade without disclosure.
Navigating the Jade Market
Location and Hours: The Jade Market is at 261 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (hours may vary by shop). It’s a 10-minute walk from Yau Ma Tei MTR Station (Exit C).
What to Expect: Over 400 stalls sell jade jewelry, figurines, and trinkets. Many items are low-quality or fake, aimed at tourists looking for cheap souvenirs. Higher-quality jade is more likely found in nearby Jade Street shops or reputable jewelers.Cultural Context: Jade is deeply valued in Hong Kong for its luck and protective qualities. Vendors may share insights, but be cautious of hard-sell tactics or claims of “rare” pieces without certification.
Red Flags to Watch For
Too-Perfect Appearance: If the jade looks flawless or overly bright, it’s likely dyed or fake.
Suspiciously Low Prices: Authentic Grade A jadeite, especially vibrant green, is expensive. Bargains under HKD 1,000 are usually nephrite or fake.
No Certification: Lack of a certificate or vague vendor claims about authenticity is a warning sign.
Health Risks: Some fake jade (e.g., plastic or dyed materials) may contain harmful chemicals, so stick to certified pieces from reputable sources.
Practical Example
Imagine you’re at a stall eyeing a green jade bangle priced at HKD 2,000. You:
Use your phone’s flashlight to check for bubbles or unnatural color (none found, but it looks very uniform).
Hold it against your cheek—it feels cool but warms slightly after a minute.
Toss it gently—it feels heavy.
Ask for a certificate. The vendor offers none and drops the price to HKD 500. This is a red flag, suggesting it’s likely Grade B/C or fake. You walk away and visit a JGAHK-affiliated shop on Canton Road, where you find a certified nephrite bangle for HKD 1,200.
Final Tips
For Beginners: Stick to the visual, temperature, and weight tests at the market. Save the sound and scratch tests for home, as they’re riskier.
Prioritize Certification: For anything over HKD 1,000, demand a certificate from a trusted lab like NGTC or Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory.
Shop Smart: If you just want a souvenir, the Jade Market is fine for cheap trinkets, but for authentic jade, visit HKTA-approved stores or chains like Lukfook.
Learn a Little: Familiarize yourself with jadeite vs. nephrite and Grade A vs. B/C/D to ask informed questions. Vendors respect knowledgeable buyers.
By combining these tests and strategies, you’ll reduce the risk of being ripped off at the Jade Market. If you’re still unsure, consult a gemologist before buying expensive pieces. Happy shopping!
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
Click on any image to enlarge to full screen
Current images from my Instagram feed
