Planning before removal

A cutter maps color, fractures, grain and desired form before material is removed. Orientation can decide whether a color band sits at the face, edge or disappears in waste. Conservation and appearance pull in different directions.

Maya jadeite pendant with seated lord, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

Abrasive work, staged slowly

Jadeite is shaped and polished with progressively finer abrasives. Heat and local pressure must be controlled. Historical methods differ from modern equipment, but both depend on patient removal rather than a single finishing step.

Carved Maya jadeite head pendant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

How to read polish

Move a narrow reflection across the surface. Clear, continuous reflections help reveal smoothness; waviness, pits or dulled areas may point to contour or finish issues. Curves should be judged according to intended form, not forced into faceted-gem expectations.

Olmec jadeite pendant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

Research basis

Independently written from public information supplied by GIA, Smithsonian and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. GIA · Smithsonian · The Met