Bulk Jade & Stone Carving from China

MOQ is set by the artisan allocation model — master carvers typically work on one jade figurine at a time for several days to weeks, so a 100-piece order of a complex design means scheduling multiple carvers in parallel. Price is driven primarily by stone grade (jadeite vs Hetian nephrite vs softer serpentine or Xiuyan stone), carving hours (openwork and hollowing can triple the labor), and whether the rough block is supplied by the buyer or sourced from workshop stock. Simple cabochon or relief pendants in nephrite can start at MOQ 50; full three-dimensional figures with detailed drapery or openwork usually require 100+.

Hairline 'healing cracks' (愈合纹) inside nephrite are common and generally acceptable if they don't reach the surface, but open surface fractures that catch a fingernail are rejectable. Watch for resin-filled pits (环氧充填) — these show a flat glossy patch under 10x loupe and a different luster than surrounding polish. Dyed jadeite (C-grade) shows concentration of color along grain lines and in micro-fissures under backlighting, so a torch or strong LED behind the piece is the cheapest QC test.

Jadeite (硬玉, including Burmese 'Fei Cui') is the harder, more translucent material with a Mohs rating around 6.5–7 and dominates the higher-end pendant and bangle market. Nephrite (软玉, including Hetian, Dushan, and Xiuyan) is tougher but softer (~Mohs 6) and accounts for most traditional Chinese carved figurines and ornaments in white, celadon, and honey-brown tones. Many items labeled 'jade' from China — especially pale green or mottled pieces — are actually serpentine, soapstone, or Xiuyan 'Xiuyu', which carve faster and drop the unit price substantially; always request the material name in writing, not just the word 'jade'.

The design must be adapted to the rough block — carvers will redraw proportions to follow the natural shape, hide internal flaws, and stay within the block's sound zones, so a 'free' 3D file rarely transfers 1:1. Openwork (透雕) in jadeite is only feasible above roughly 5–6mm wall thickness; thinner struts will snap during carving or final polishing. Expect 2–3 sampling rounds: a wax or clay mockup, a rough-carved sample in cheap stone, and then a finished sample in the actual material before production is released.

For jadeite above a meaningful value threshold, ask for a certificate from NGTC (National Gemstone Testing Center) or a provincial gemstone testing institute that names the material as 'jadeite (翡翠)' or 'nephrite (和田玉 / 岫玉)' and explicitly states whether any treatment (bleaching, polymer impregnation, dyeing) is detected. A GIA or other international lab report is useful for higher-end single pieces but adds cost and lead time, so it's usually impractical for sub-$50 ornaments. Be cautious if a supplier refuses independent third-party testing or only offers an in-house card with no issuing body.

Each piece should be wrapped in soft foam or acid-free tissue, seated in a fitted EVA or closed-cell foam cavity, and that cavity itself suspended inside an outer carton with at least 5 cm of clearance on all sides to absorb drop impact. Openwork and thin-walled figurines are especially vulnerable to chipping at high points like fingertips, floral tips, and pierced holes — these should be wrapped in additional bubble film and the carton marked 'fragile / this side up.' For long sea freight, include silica desiccant because prolonged humidity can affect dyed stones and any wax or polymer fills used to disguise surface pits.

Most China Jade & Stone Carving orders ship in 4–8 weeks ex-works, depending on order size and customization. Repeats often run faster (3–5 weeks). Add 2–4 weeks for sea freight to your port.

China suppliers typically quote FOB or CIF. We can help coordinate a freight forwarder for sea, air, or courier depending on your destination port. Specify your Incoterm preference in your quote request.