《腾冲“三李” 翡翠翘楚——李生泽、李生华与李昌德及家族在缅甸和中国香港翡翠行业的影响》
Written by Julius Zheng（郑嵘）,GIA GG
Edited by Dr. Richard S.K. Lee (李承光医生）, GIA GG
Historical materials and photos provided by Dr. Richard S.K. Lee(李承光医生）, GIA GG
Tengchong, Yunnan (云南腾冲), is a land rich in culture and spirit, a city in the southern border region of China adjacent to the jadeite-producing region of Myanmar. For centuries, the people of Tengchong, venturing into foreign lands, used shoulder poles and horses to carve out the road along rugged ancient paths through towering mountains. Jadeite, a special commodity on the ancient South-West China Silk Road has forged an inextricable bond with the people of Tengchong.
Xu Xiake (徐霞客), a well-known explorer and geographer in ancient China, recorded his journey through Yunnan (云南) in his travelogue of 1638-1639, including the earliest records of jadeite: “The west-bound road leads to Yunnan, producing amber and green jade…The south-bound road leads to Mengmi (Myanmar), where a treasure mine is.” Judging from the place names mentioned in the book, the “green jade” here refers to jadeite. This is the first official record in ancient Chinese literature on jadeite circulated in the Tengchong region. The travelogue also recorded that before he left Tengchong, an intellectual and merchant named Pan (儒商潘秀才) gave him two pieces of “stones from the green” (翠生石). Later, he had the stones cut and made into two inkstones and a cup.(“A Brief Analysis of the Cultural Connotation of Tengchong Jadeite” by Sun Yufen, April 2014 issue of “Journal of Gems and Gemology” 《宝石与宝石学杂志》 2014年4月刊 孙玉芬著 《浅析腾冲翡翠⽂化的内涵》)
The Kings of Jadeite Before the “Three Lees”
In the spring of 1915, Lee Ben-ren (李本仁), courtesy name Shouyu (寿郁) and Liu Baochen (刘宝臣), natives of Qiluo, Tengchong (腾冲绮罗) and renowed jade miners and merchants, unearthed a giant jade boulder weighing over 8,000 kilograms from a jade cave in Mogaung (孟拱), Burma (renamed Myanmar in 1989). This boulder, known as “the Elephant Jade,” (象玉) was covered in a sandy yellow outer layer, making its inner quality difficult to discern. At the time, a Guangdong merchant offered 6,000 Chinese silver dollars to buy as is. Because large pieces of jade are difficult to dissect to be sold for a higher price, many advised them to sell it quickly. However, Lee Ben-ren and Liu Baochen, relying on their years of experience in jade appraisal and their unique insight, decisively and boldly kept the giant jade boulder. After several years of dissection, it was divided into 13 pieces, revealing its superior translucency and beautiful colours. A rare treasure! It eventually fetched a total price of 100,000 Chinese silver dollars (大洋). (Note: A Chinese silver dollar weighs around 26.87 grams and contains 89% of silver.)
John Chang Wenti (张文棣, 1886-1961) owner of the “Cui Hua Xuan” (meaning the Magnificent Treasure House, 粹华轩) in Shanghai, and one of the most famous jade merchants at the time, described “the Elephant Jade” in his article, “this jade has buried deep in the soil for many years…Its inner qualities are difficult to evaluate. Upon dissection, it was discovered to be of excellent quality with few flaws, and some pieces were entirely covered in vibrant green, truly a rare and precious natural produce. After several years of dissection, it was divided into thirteen pieces of varying sizes, awaiting a good offer.”
John Chang Wenti, with his discerning eye, purchased the 5 finest pieces out of the 13, slightly less than 3 tons. After further dissection, the 5 pieces yielded approximately 0.4 cubic meters of pure green jadeite raw material. Later, in Beijing, he commissioned 150 carving masters, including the renowned jade carver Lee Hanchen (李汉臣), to spend 10 years and a total of 1.5 million working hours to carve a 1.2-meter-high “Jadeite Pagoda” and a 49.2-centimeter-high 3-layer jadeite archway, as well as a pair of palace lanterns. Including accompanying collectibles such as a three-tiered jadeite staircase, a scripture pavilion, lions, cranes, and court ladies, the whole collection is composed of over 1,000 detachable parts.
In 1933, “The Magnificent Jade Pagoda” (翡翠大宝塔) together with the archway and laterns were exhibited at the Chicago World Exposition, causing a sensation worldwide and being hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World“. The Shanghai-based publication “the Eastern Miscellany” (《东方杂志》) then referred to Lee Ben-ren and Liu Baochen as “the Kings of Jadeite”.
John Chang Wenti referred to the pagoda, palace lanterns, and archway as the Three Wonders of Jadeite (翡翠三绝), and in 1933 he wrote an article, “A Record of the Carving of the Three Wonders of Jadeite—The Pagoda, Palace Lanterns, and Archway” (《纪奇珍翡翠三绝之雕制经过——宝塔宫灯及牌坊》) , recounting the process from purchasing jadeite materials, conceptualizing, and commissioning the carving, and elucidating the historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance of the three wonders.
The Three Jadeite Wonders were exhibited at the Chicago World Exposition for two consecutive years, 1933 and 1934, and also toured other locations before it participated in the 1939 San Francisco Golden Gate International Exposition. Due to the looming war, they were unable to return to China, but played a crucial role in fundraising for aid to China from the public. As the largest jadeite carving outside China, they have been an important collection displayed in the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art since 2018. (“The Odyssey of the Altar of the Green Jade Pagoda”, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art)
The Rise of the “Three Lees”
Lee Ben-ren adopted new mining methods at his jade mine, purchasing machinery to extract spring water from the caves, using machines to drill holes, and employing explosives to assist in mining, reducing labor and time. Before 1937, Guangzhou (also called Canton) was the center of jadeite trading. Lee Ben-ren, with his large volume of goods, stored and auctioned jadeite boulders at his 4 residence houses in Guangzhou (Guanxi, Wen Chang Road, Xiang Yue and Zhi Street (关西、文昌路、香约、直街). After the Pacific War, his son Lee San Chiek (李生泽) continued the auctions. Lee Ben-ren and Lee San Chiek brought the best jadeite boulders to Shanghai for private sale. The jade market in Hong Kong had not yet taken shape at the time.
Lee Ben-ren was also enthusiastic about public welfare and charity. In 1937, he passed away, and over a thousand people were at present to mourn him in Tengchong. He generously donated to his hometown of Tengchong, Yunnan, China, and the overseas Chinese community in Myanmar, including a donation of 15,000 Chinese silver dollars to support education and the construction of a new school in Tengchong. (“Tengchong People in Hong Kong and Macau,” published by Yunnan Nationalities Publishing House 云南民族出版社出版《腾冲人在港澳》)
His son Lee San Chiek (李生泽), his daughter-in-law Yon Kwan Wan (容贯云), his nephew Lee San Wah (李生华), together with another prominent jade merchant, Lee Chang-taik (李昌德), played crucial roles in the Hong Kong jadeite trade from the 1950s to the 1990s together with their family members.
For many years, much of Myanmar’s abundant jade was processed by Hong Kong jade manufacturers before being sold locally and exported worldwide as finished jewellery pieces. At one time, approximately 80% the jade trade in Hong Kong was controlled by two families: Lee San Chiek with his wife Yon Kwan Wan, and Lee Chang-taik with his son Lee Yuk-shan (李旭山) (York Lo, Hong Kong Jade Industry and some of its pioneers).
Before the Myanmar government nationalized the economy in 1962, both Lee families owned their own mines in Myanmar. The rough stones were transported to Hong Kong. After they are polished or dissected, they were sold to the prominent jewelers and the jade merchants at the Canton Road (广东道), The transactions are fulfilled thru Yue Fung Company (裕丰公司) jointly owned by Lee San Chiek (75% shareholding) and Liu Shu-qin (25%), and by the Yun Chan Company (云昌公司) (jointly owned by Yon Kwan Wan and Lee Chang-taik and combining one character from each names). After the nationalization of Myanmar’s mines in 1962, the Myanmar government started gemstone and jadeite emporiums (tenders) from 1964. Yon Kwan Wan was invited every year. She flew from Hong Kong to Myanmar annually to attend the emporiums. In 1993, she received a gift from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining of Myanmar in recognition of her record of attending the emporiums for 30 consecutive years. Lee Chang-taik’s eldest son, Lee Yuk-shan, purchased jadeite through Man Ching Company in northern Thailand via unofficial channels. Lee Yuk-shan passed away in Taipei in 1987.
At that time, Lee San Chiek, Lee San Wah, and Lee Chang-taik were known as the “THREE LEES” in the jade industry in Myanmar and Hong Kong, and their jade trading volume accounted for a dominant majority in Hong Kong’s jadeite industry.
Lee San Chiek (李生泽) and his cousin Lee San Wah (李生华)
Lee Ben-ren established trading companies in Mogok (抹谷) and Mogaung(孟拱) in Myanmar, and later returned to China to specialize in jade trading in Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. In his later years, his son Lee San Chiek inherited his business.
Lee San Chiek (Burmese name: KO LAW YOE) is the second son of Lee Ben-ren (the first generation of the prominent jadeite family). He not only inherited his father’s business but also elevated it to new heights with his international perspective and experience in jade mines. He and his wife, Yon Kwan Wan, manage jade mines in Myanmar and have established a significant position in the Hong Kong jade market. In addition to selling to jade merchants, they also sold to large jewellery chain stores (King Fook, Chow Tai Fook and Fuhui 景福、周大福和福辉), Chinese bankers in Hong Kong, and prominent diamond dealers. They were able to serve the mainland China market through selling to Chinese Arts & Crafts (H.K.) Ltd. (中艺（香港）有限公司).
Lee San Chiek ‘s successful strategies were offering guarantee to purchase the whole production of smaller jade mines, and holding auctions to sell his jadeite boulders. Because he could guarantee to buy the run-of-mine jadeite boulders regardless of quality, the small mines in Myanmar were happy to sell to him. Due to the very large volume of goods, auctions became imminent. After Lee San Chiek and Yon Kwan Wan inherited Lee Ben-ren’s business, they continued to operate in Guangzhou and Shanghai market. After 1949, the large scale jade market in mainland China was not in operation, and they moved to Hong Kong and actively held jadeite rough auctions there. Their continuous supply to the Hong Kong since 1950s contributed to the prosperity of Hong Kong’s jadeite industry.
Lee San Chiek’s ability to identify jade and his business acumen surpassed even his father’s. An article by the jadeite expert Zhang Zhubang (张竹邦) described “a bold heart like a sword and a discerning mind like a musical instrument” meaning being both bold and meticulous. “Lee San Chiek, the jadeite king of Myanmar, is from Tengchong. Even under the strongest sunlight, he meticulously examines jade, earning him the reputation of ‘it’s unfair if he doesn’t make a fortune’”, Zhang stated. Lee San Chiek summarized the outer skin of good jade boulder having certain superficial characteristics for a greater probability of good quality inside. With these characteristics, the jade boulder is more likely to have both blue and green inside, and even with the highest grade of green being vibrant green, “like the colour of a kingfisher over the river.” (“Life Weekly” 2007, “Zhang Zhubang on Jadeite”《生活周刊2007年：张竹邦说翡翠》)
On the quality evaluation of the jadeite boulders，Lee San Chiek believes that the properties of the crust of the boulder is associated with the quality within, “The external characteristics reveals the inner quality!” he told his eldest son Dr. Richard S.K. Lee (李承光医生).
Lee San Chiek traveled between Hong Kong, Thailand, and Myanmar. His wife, Yon Kwan Wan, was astute, capable, and virtuous, and an expert in the jade business. Most of the jade Lee San Chiek purchased in Myanmar was shipped to Hong Kong, where Yon Kwan Wan auctioned or sold privately in Hong Kong. Originally from Guangdong, Yon Kwan Wan played a crucial role in market promotion and strategy, and was a renowned jewellery merchant in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Therefore, many prominent figures in the Hong Kong jade industry collaborated with her in long term. She partnered with Mr. Lee Chang-taik to establish Yun Chan Company, partnered with Lee Yuk-shan (Lee Chang-taik’s son) to establish Man Ching Company, partnered with Mr. Lee San Wah (Lee San Chiek’s cousin) to establish Sang Kee Company (生记公司), and invested to Lee Chengzhong (Lee San Wah’s nephew, 李承忠) to establish Tai Ho Company (太和公司). (“Biography of Madam Lee Yon Kwan Wan” by Lee Jingchen of Tengchong 腾冲李静忱著《李容贯云女士简历》)
In 1962, after Myanmar nationalized its jade mines, the business environment changed dramatically. The Lee San Chiek family continued operating Burmese jadeite business through Yue Fung Company and other entities. Their efforts ensured Yue Fung Company’s strong influence in the global jadeite industry, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s jadeite history. Lee Chang-taik relocated his headquarters to Hong Kong and Bangkok.
After Mr. Lee San Chiek passed away, Yon Kwan Wan become the matriarch of the family business. Adding her husband’s surname “Lee” before her name, becoming Lee Yon Kwan Wan (李容贯云), signifies her continued business succession and unwavering loyalty. (Read01: https://read01.com/ymK5nP.html) In 1986, Yue Fung Company ceased operations. Ms. Yon Kwan Wan, along with her eldest son Richard S.K. Lee (李承光) (the third-generation successor), established Fameclass Pty Ltd. (协嘉有限公司), which continues to operate to this day.
In 1960, the Lee San Chiek family discovered a 101-catties (approximately 61 kilograms) jadeite rough named “the Royal Jade Boulder” (权玉) at their mine in Sanka (山卡) of northern Myanmar. In 1992, the skin of the boulder was grinded to expose the colour vein. On December 3, 1993, the boulder was dissected into 2 pieces. Between 1993 and 1995, this milestone jadeite boulder was sold in Hong Kong to two listed companies — Fuhui Company (福辉公司) and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company (周大福) — for a total of HK$110 million. Many top-tier jadeite jewellery pieces were crafted from this boulder.
Lee San Wah is Lee San Chiek’s cousin. He is the son of Lee Ben-hou (李本厚), and the nephew of Lee Ben-ren. Lee Ben-ren and Lee Ben-hou are brothers, both well-known jade merchants in Tengchong and Myanmar. Lee San Wah was in the jadeite business for many years, specializing in trade with Hong Kong from Myanmar. (Read01: https://read01.com/ymK5nP.html)
Lee Chang-taik (李昌德)
Mr. Lee Chang-taik (李昌德, 1903-1974), courtesy name Ruozi (若滋), was a native of Tai Ping Jie (太平街), Tengchong, Yunnan. After World War II, with the restoration of normal transportation between Yunnan and Myanmar, he went to Myanmar to develop jade mining operations, investing in jade mining in Hpakant, Myanmar with friends. Skilled in jade carving and possessing keen insight, his business flourished within a few years. In 1952, he went to Hong Kong and established Yun Chan Company with Madame Yon Kwan Wan (wife of Lee San Chiek). Later, Man Ching Company was incorporated by his son Lee Yuk-shan and Yon Kwan Wan, in order to promote the business. He purchased jade in Hpakant (帕敢) and shipped it to Hong Kong for sale, settling accounts and distributing profits at the end of the year. Business development was rapid, and he amassed substantial capital. His annual jade exports were among the highest in the industry, and his reputation grew daily. In 1962, he moved to Hong Kong from Myanmar, leaving his eldest son, Lee Yuk-shan, to handle the procurement which proved very successful. This continued until the mines in Myanmar were nationalized. Then he moved his entire family to Hong Kong to settle down.
In his article “A Brief Account of Lee Chang-taik, a Jade Celebrity,” Mr. Lee Jingchen (李静忱) of Tengchong wrote: “Mr. Lee Chang-taik was able to both amass and distribute wealth. While working at the jade mine, he donated funds to education, supporting younger generations; he also possessed a warm heart, upholding the old ways, helping the poor and needy, resolving disputes, and advocating justice, displaying the spirit of Lu Zhonglian (鲁仲连). His good deeds spread throughout Pyu (an ancient kingdom in present-day Myanmar). Within the Overseas Chinese Association, he established the Lee Chang-taik Scholarship and Welfare Fund to cultivate outstanding overseas Chinese students for further education and to help alleviate the hardships of impoverished returned overseas Chinese; he was respected by his fellow overseas Chinese. Lee Chang-taik passed away in Hong Kong in February 1974, leaving behind four sons and one daughter.” (“A Brief Account of Lee Chang-taik, a Jade Celebrity” by Lee Jingchen of Tengchong 腾冲李静忱著《玉石名人李昌德事略》)
It’s worth mentioning that because Lee Chang-taik’s ancestral home was Shandong China, he specifically named his four sons after “Shan Dong Guang Hui” (meaning “Shandong Glory”). His second son, Lee Yuk-dong (李旭东), married Lee San Chiek’s niece, Lee Chenghuan (李承欢). It was quite common for two families to go from business partners to in-laws in the past.
Important Jadeite Boulders Between 1971 and 1973
Between 1971 and 1973, four pieces of jadeite fetched high prices in Hong Kong’s jade industry:
1) Man Ching Company (万青公司, a joint company by Lee Yuk-shan and Yong Kwan Wan) sold a piece of jade weighing over 50 kilograms for HK$14 million, known as “Man Ching Jade” (万青玉), setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for Burmese jade at the time. “Man Ching Jade” was purchased by Lee Yuk-shan. 3 pieces from the rough stone was sold to Kwong Tai Jade Company (广泰玉器号) at HK$5.3 million, and 7 pieces were sold to Chow Tai Fook at HK$8.7 million. Lee San Chiek, Yon Kwan Wan, Lee Chang-taik and Lee Yuk-shan were all present at the moment of sales. Older connoisseurs who had seen this jade praised it highly, considering it a rare gemstone from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era. Its translucency, its luster, and its vibrant colour were enough to eclipse other jades. Despite its smaller size, its value surpassed that of other jades.
2) Mr. Lee Hongxin (李鸿新) of Qiluo, Tengchong, sold a piece for HK$13.3 million, in which Yong Kwan Wan was a shareholder too.
3) Mr. Jin Zheng (金正) of Tengchong sold another piece for HK$10.5 million.
4) Yun Chan Company (云昌公司, a joint company by Yon Kwan Wan and Lee Chang-taik, with each taking one character from their names), sold a piece to the consortium of King Fook Company (景福珠宝) and partners for HK$9 million. Several other pieces also sold for hundreds of thousands or even millions of Hong Kong dollars each. Mr. Lee Chang-taik thus earned the title “the Jade King”.
In addition, Mr. Lee Hongxin sold a piece for HK$3 million. (Based on Lee Jingchen’s article ” A Brief Account of Lee Chang-taik, a Jade Celebrity ” 腾冲李静忱著《玉石名人李昌德事略》and the additional material from Dr. Richard S.K. Lee)
Mr. Lee Jingchen was from Tengchong. From 1952 to 1964, he was entrusted in Yangon Myanmar as an agent for Yun Chan, Man Ching, Yue Fung, Sang Kee, and Tai Ho companies, literally all the major companies by the “THREE LEES” and family members. He was responsible for receiving and disbursing jade and allocating funds. Mr. Lee Jingchen moved to Hong Kong in 1965. He was very familiar with the jade trade between Hong Kong and Myanmar from 1950 to 1990. The article “A Brief Account of Lee Chang-taik, a Jade Celebrity” was written by him in early 1990. Given his experience and reputation, the account should be highly credible.
Between 1970 and 1980, the jade market in Hong Kong was very active. Jadeite boulders worth 2-3 million or 5-6 million Hong Kong dollars were often heard of. Besides the jadeite pieces sold for HK$6 million and HK$4 million by Lee Ronghe (李融和) and Lee Yuk-shan of Tai Ping Jie, Tengchong. Lee San Chiek, Lee San Wah, Jin Rongan (金荣安), and Wang Shenglan (汪生兰) also sold several pieces of jadeite at the price range from 3 to 5 million Hong Kong dollars respectively. (China Gems News: A Record of Jade Appreciation by People of Tai Ping Jie 《宝玉石周刊：太平街人的美玉采风录》)
Industrial Influence of the “Three Lees”
The jade trading and manufacturing is one of the oldest industries in Hong Kong. However, on June 5, 1965, the U.S. government imposed an embargo on jade and semi-precious stone products made in Hong Kong, resulting in an annual revenue loss of US$20 million and mass layoffs. J.D. McGregor (麦理觉), the Deputy Director of Hong Kong’s Commerce and Industry Department, suggested that local industry players unite to negotiate with the U.S. government on lifting the embargo. Consequently, the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Manufacturers Association (香港玉石制品厂商会, HKJSM) was established, which officially registered on July 2, 1965 and held its first meeting on September 22. The association negotiated with the U.S. government, leading to the resumption of Hong Kong jadeite imports in July 1967 with certificates of origin (York Lo, Hong Kong Jade Industry and some of its pioneers). Lee San Chiek and Yon Kwan Wan were among the founders and life-time honorary presidents of the Hong Kong Jade Manufacturers’ Association (HKJSM). Lee San Chiek, Yon Kwan Wan, Lee Chang-taik, and Lee San Wah all played crucial roles in the association’s establishment and development.
One of the most important projects was purchasing the premises for the association to build up an auction center. “The Inscription of the Establishment of the Magnificent Jade Hall” (《玉石华堂建堂碑记》) is a monumental plaque commemorating the fundraising efforts of the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Manufacturers Association (HKJSM) to establish its permanent premises. It records that the association has designated Lee San Chiek as the director for the preparation of the Magnificent Jade Hall in 1968 with a fundraising target of HK$200,000, ultimately raising at least HK$217,100. Among the contributors, Lee San Chiek and his wife Yon Kwan Wan, along with their business partners, collectively contributed HK$102,000. The Magnificent Jade Hall’s prime location and the convenience of elevators greatly facilitated jade auctions, achieving high venue utilization with two to three auctions held weekly during busy periods. Regardless of the donation amount during its establishment, members renting the auction center were required to pay a daily rental fee as per regulations, making venue rental income one of the association’s key revenue sources. The premises remains an important rental property at present day.
The association was renamed the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association (香港珠宝玉石厂商会, HKJJA) in 1997 and remains a key organization in Hong Kong’s jade and jewellery industry, with over 340 member companies. This further confirms the profound influence of the “THREE LEES”.
Dr. Richard S.K. Lee, the eldest son of Lee San Chiek and Yon Kwan Wan, a renowned dentist, jadeite expert and gemologist, serves in HKJJA and many other trade associations at present, and continues to exert his family influence in the industry.
Special thanks to: Dr. Richard S.K. Lee; Mr. York Lo; Mr. Zhang Zhubang; Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA); Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
Profile of the editor of this article Dr. Richard S.K. Lee（李承光医生）
Dr. Richard S.K. Lee（李承光医生）is a renowned dentist, seasoned jade expert, third-generation heir of a world-famous jadeite (fei-cui 翡翠) family, and the Advisor (Jade) to the 35th Council (2020–2022) of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) （香港珠宝玉石厂商会）. He also serves as the Honorary President and Committee Consultant of Hong Kong Jade Association（香港玉器商会）, the Honorary Life President of the Hong Kong Kowloon Jade Merchants and Workers Association（香港九龙玉器工商联会）, the Vice President of the Hong Kong Professionals Association（香港专业人士协会）, and one of the founders and former President of the GIA Alumni Collectives Hong Kong Chapter（美国宝石研究院GIA香港校友会）. In 2024, he was invited to serve as the Editor of the Journal of The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong（香港宝石学会年刊）.
As the eldest son of Lee San Chiek and Yon Kwan Wan, Dr. Richard S.K. Lee (李承光) is both a medical professional and a gemologist with Graduate Gemologist diploma of GlA. He is the third generation of the prominent illustrious jadeite family. Dr. Richard S.K. Lee serves as Permanent Honorary President of Hong Kong & Kowloon Jade Merchants & Workers Union Association, Honorary Advisor (jade), Council of Management of Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Founder & Past President of GlA Alumni Association (Hong Kong Chapter) and Vice President of The Association of Hong Kong, Professionals.
His grandfather and his parents donated generously and contributed to the society, so has Dr. Richard S.K. Lee as a family tradition. At his age of 70’s, Dr. Lee thrives to pass on his family’s knowledge of three generations to the jewellery trade.
In the article of “The Art & Science of Reading Rough Jadeite Jade: 2 parts Science, 1 part Art, and a lot of luck” published on the Journal of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (2018), he used the Royal Jade Boulder owned by his family to describe and illustrate the process of assessing, cutting and evaluating jadeite jade rough to maximize its investment potential.
Articles on Jadeite Experts:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/jadeite-expert
This article was published as special feature on Gem Spectrum print magazine issue #6 (Winter 2025-26), Page 46. Browse the flipbook here. Full-screen viewing and download are possible.
