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Frequently Asked Questions
About SÈVE
SÈVE is a Hong Kong jadeite maison rooted in a lineage that began in 1976. We transform five decades of sourcing expertise and savoir-faire into serene, intentional forms — modern heirlooms in natural, untreated Type A jadeite, selected with uncompromising attention to quality and set in 18K solid gold with natural diamonds. Shaped by the French philosophy of Art de Vivre — slow, deliberate, calm — SÈVE speaks to the discerning eye: those who look beneath the surface to find meaning in an object.
SÈVE is the French word for the vital sap — the invisible current that flows through a living tree, carrying energy from deep roots to bloom. It is the force that sustains, unseen. We see this same quality in jadeite: a living translucency forged over millennia, carrying its own quiet energy. For us, the stone is no relic. Each piece in our collection is a silent conduit — crafted to ground its wearer, hold them steady, and travel with them through a life fully lived.
SÈVE is based in Hong Kong. We serve local clients with concierge delivery, private appointments, and in-suite collection across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. We also ship internationally to most destinations worldwide via DHL Express. All deliveries — local and international — are complimentary and fully insured.
Jadeite & The Stone
No. Every SÈVE piece is natural, untreated Type A jadeite. The jadeite market distinguishes four categories by treatment status: Type A (natural, untreated), Type B (chemically bleached and resin impregnated), Type C (dyed), and Type B+C (both). Types B, C, and B+C are significantly less valuable and subject to mandatory disclosure on any gemmological certificate. They also carry degradation risks — polymer resin deteriorates over time, and dyes are not structurally stable. SÈVE does not carry treated material. Type A status is confirmed on every HKJSL Standard Certificate issued with each piece.
Jadeite is a sodium aluminium silicate mineral (NaAlSi₂O₆) belonging to the pyroxene group. It forms not as a single crystal but as a polycrystalline aggregate — a dense, interlocking mass of microscopic crystals — which gives it exceptional toughness and its capacity to transmit light. It is a geological rarity forged over millennia: no process can accelerate its formation, and no treatment can replicate the internal luminosity of genuinely fine, naturally formed material. This is why certification and provenance are indispensable at the collection level.
Fei Cui is the Chinese name for what is broadly referred to in the West as jade — one of the most culturally and commercially significant gemstones in Chinese history. Gemmologically, Fei Cui is a family of three related pyroxene-group minerals: Jadeite Jade (NaAlSi₂O₆), Omphacite Jade, and Kosmochlor Jade. It is subject to its own dedicated testing standard, distinct from nephrite and other jade substitutes. In commercial use, "Fei Cui" and "jadeite" are often used interchangeably, though they are gemmologically distinct. SÈVE works exclusively with Jadeite Jade — the most studied and commercially prized of the three.
The word "jade" in everyday language refers to two chemically distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate — softer, more widely distributed, and the dominant jade in Chinese material culture for millennia. Jadeite is an entirely different mineral, chemically and structurally, and did not enter China's trade in significant quantity until the 18ᵗʰ century, arriving from Myanmar. The two are subject to separate gemmological testing standards; fine jadeite commands substantially higher prices than nephrite. All SÈVE pieces are confirmed Jadeite Jade by HKJSL certification.
Jadeite is exceptionally well suited to daily wear — arguably more so than many better-known gemstones. While it rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, lower than diamond at 10, hardness and toughness are distinct properties. Hardness measures resistance to scratching; toughness measures resistance to breaking or chipping under impact. This is where jadeite is exceptional: its tightly interlocking polycrystalline structure distributes stress across the whole piece rather than concentrating it at a fracture point. Diamond, despite its perfect hardness score, can cleave cleanly along its crystal planes under a sharp blow. Jadeite does not carry this vulnerability. For daily-wear jewellery, toughness is often the more meaningful property.
Our Standard & Curation
SÈVE evaluates every piece against five criteria: type (種), translucency (水), colour (色), base (底), and craftsmanship (工). These are assessed in combination — no single criterion is sufficient alone. A full explanation is available on:
Old mine (老坑) refers to secondary alluvial jadeite deposits — primary ore that has been weathered over time, carried by water, and naturally sorted. The alluvial process acts as a natural filter: cracked, coarse, or structurally compromised material breaks down during transport. What remains in riverbeds tends to be denser, more tightly structured, and finer in grain — the structural foundation for the translucency and colour integrity SÈVE selects against. New mine (新坑) refers to primary bedrock deposits, where material is extracted directly from the host rock and is less weathered. SÈVE sources exclusively from old mine (老坑) material.
SÈVE carries exclusively bright to intense green jadeite, evaluated against the four classical colour standards: purity of hue (正), saturation depth (濃), tonal brightness (陽), and distribution evenness (均). We do not offer light green, apple green, lavender, red, or yellow varieties — not because these lack beauty, but because our collection is built around a single, uncompromising standard of green.
Every SÈVE piece is mounted in 18K solid gold with natural diamonds. We do not use plated metals, filled gold, or diamond simulants. The construction is held to the same standard as the stone it carries.
Certification
Every piece is accompanied by an HKJSL Standard Certificate issued by the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory — the most established jade testing institution in Asia, founded in 1993. SÈVE issues the full Standard Certificate, not the abbreviated Mini-Testing Certificate used for simpler transactions. It documents thirteen individual testing criteria and provides a complete scientific record of the stone.
The certificate confirms that a piece is Natural Fei Cui — Type A — jadeite that has not been subjected to any form of chemical treatment. It records the physical description, transparency grade, colour, refractive index, specific gravity, UV fluorescence, and the results of infrared spectrum analysis (FTIR) confirming the absence of resin impregnation. A full guide to reading each section is available:
A certificate confirms what a stone is. It cannot tell you how good that stone is. The parameters that distinguish exceptional jadeite — the saturation and depth of colour, internal luminosity, fineness of grain, quality of lustre, the way light moves through the stone — are not captured by any existing certification standard. No standardised quality grading system for jadeite currently exists; there is no equivalent of the 4C framework for diamonds. This is precisely the gap SÈVE's curation is designed to address.
Yes. SÈVE facilitates secondary certification from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Gübelin Gem Lab, both of which maintain permanent operations in Hong Kong. The service is coordinated entirely by our team, at the client's expense, and can be arranged before or after delivery. If you have a preference for a specific laboratory not listed, please let us know — we are happy to accommodate alternative arrangements wherever possible, subject to the laboratory's submission requirements and location.
We can facilitate a replacement request on your behalf. All replacement certificates are issued directly by HKJSL; associated fees and processing time are the client's responsibility.
Sizing & Proportion
Every SÈVE piece is listed with exact dimensions in its Key Specs on the product page. Our Size & Proportion Guide explains how to interpret those measurements, understand scale across all jewellery categories, and ensure proportion aligns with your intention before you select.
SÈVE offers two methods: measuring your finger directly with a soft tape measure, or using an existing ring against our printable size conversion chart. Both tools — the SÈVE Measuring Tape and the SÈVE Ring Size Conversion Chart — are available as printable PDFs. Full step-by-step instructions are on:
SÈVE uses Hong Kong ring sizing as standard, with full conversion references to EU, Mainland China, US & Canada, UK, and Japan available on:
Yes. Wider bands (≥3.5mm) sit more firmly on the finger. If selecting a broader style, we recommend choosing half a size larger than your standard measurement. Resizing eligibility is noted in the Key Specs for each piece.
Chain length determines placement against the body. A 16" chain rests at the collarbone; 18" falls just below; 20" sits at the upper chest; 24" is suited to pendant wear. Each SÈVE necklace lists its full length in Key Specs. A full reference table is on:
Yes. Our Concierge team can advise on fit, knuckle clearance, necklace placement, or piece-specific constraints before you select.
Bespoke Commissions
Yes. If you are seeking a specific stone, a particular motif, or a custom interpretation of an existing design, SÈVE can assist. Our founder reviews every commission request personally and will advise on feasibility, timeline, and sourcing.
Reach out via our Concierge page and note "Bespoke" in your subject line. You may also email concierge@sevejadeite.com or message us directly on WhatsApp (+852 6040 4084).
Ordering
Jewellery
To browse, select a category from the navigation menu or discover our selections on the home page. To find something specific, use the search function or collection filters available on the website.
Once you have selected your piece:
1. Add the piece to your Shopping Bag.
2. When you have finished browsing, click "Shopping Bag" to review your selection.
3. Enter your shipping details.
4. Select and complete your payment method.
5. Review all information carefully and click "Place Order."
You will receive a confirmation email shortly after. Once your piece is dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation with your tracking details.
Please note: pieces priced at HKD 50,000 and above are fulfilled exclusively via Concierge Delivery or private appointment. Our team will reach out after your order is confirmed to arrange all details.
High Jewellery
Pieces in our High Jewellery collection are available by private consultation only.To enquire about a High Jewellery piece:
- Navigate to the piece you wish to consider.
- Select "Schedule a Private Consultation" on the product page.
- Choose your preferred method of contact:Private Virtual ConsultationMessage via WhatsAppSend an Email
- Our Concierge will arrange a private viewing at your convenience — either in person in Hong Kong or via a secure virtual appointment.
During the consultation, we will walk you through the piece in detail, including its HKJSL certification, provenance, and setting. Should you wish to proceed, our Concierge will guide you through acquisition and delivery.
All High Jewellery pieces are fulfilled via Concierge Delivery or appointment collection.
On each product page, you will find a detailed description of the piece alongside comprehensive specifications: the stone’s characteristics (colour, saturation, tone, translucency, grain, and shape), key dimensions, accent stones, metal details, and HKJSL certification information. Click on any product image to zoom in and examine the piece in detail.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and UnionPay via our secure checkout. For added convenience, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and direct bank transfer (FPS/Wire) are also available at checkout.
Cancellations requested before dispatch will be processed in full with no charge. Once a piece has been dispatched, cancellation is not possible — however, our returns process remains available to you upon delivery for eligible Hong Kong orders.
Shipping & Delivery
SÈVE ships locally within Hong Kong and internationally to most destinations worldwide. All deliveries — local and international — are complimentary and fully insured to retail value.
SÈVE offers three delivery options for Hong Kong orders. Please note that pieces priced at HKD 50,000 and above are fulfilled exclusively via Concierge Delivery or private appointment.
Concierge Delivery (Available for all pieces)
A member of our team delivers your piece in person at a time and location that suits you, including a personal introduction to your HKJSL certificate and guidance on care. Available across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
Appointment Collection (Available for all pieces)
You are warmly invited to receive your piece by private appointment at our Hong Kong suite.
SF Express (Available for pieces under HKD 50,000)
Delivered within 2–3 business days, fully insured, with tracking shared upon dispatch.
International orders are delivered via DHL Express. Estimated delivery is 3–7 business days depending on destination, fully insured, with tracking shared upon dispatch.
All international orders are shipped on a DDU (Delivered Duties Unpaid) basis. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees at the destination are the responsibility of the recipient. Before your piece is dispatched, our Concierge team will be in touch to confirm logistics and advise on expected duties at your destination — so there are no surprises on arrival.
Yes. All orders require a signature upon delivery. Please ensure someone is available at the delivery address provided. If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the carrier will issue a redelivery or collection notification. Parcels not collected or redelivered within the carrier's holding period will be returned to SÈVE, and our team will contact you to arrange reshipment. Additional shipping charges may apply.
Each piece is placed in an elegant case protected by a signature box, accompanied by your HKJSL gemological certificate — a record of provenance and craft as enduring as the piece itself. For gifting, a personalised message card may be enclosed. Please note your message at checkout or share it with our Concierge team at the time of order.
Returns & Exchanges
Returns and exchanges are accepted for Hong Kong orders only, within 14 days of confirmed delivery. The piece must be unworn and in its original condition, returned in original SÈVE packaging, and accompanied by its HKJSL certificate in full. International orders are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographic documentation. Depending on availability, we will offer a replacement with an equivalent piece, store credit for the full purchase value, or a full refund to the original payment method.
Contact our Concierge team within your 14-day window with your order number and a brief description of your request. Please do not return pieces without first reaching out — unannounced returns cannot be processed.
For eligible Hong Kong returns, collection is arranged based on the value of the piece to ensure its utmost security. Please note that pieces priced at HKD 50,000 and above are collected exclusively via Concierge Collection.
Concierge Collection (Available for all pieces)
A member of the SÈVE team will arrange a visit at a time convenient to you to collect your piece directly. This gives us the opportunity to understand your experience, address any questions, and where relevant, present available alternatives in person.
SF Express (Available for pieces under HKD 50,000)
We will arrange a complimentary SF Express pickup from your address upon request.
Please contact us to arrange your preferred collection method when initiating your return.
No. If your piece is undergoing laboratory assessment, your 14-day return window is paused from the date the piece is received by the laboratory and resumes from the date it is returned to you.
Aftercare & Service
Every SÈVE piece carries a two-year warranty from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects — including defects in setting construction, prong integrity, and clasp mechanism.
The warranty does not cover accidental damage, impact, or loss; scratches or surface wear consistent with regular use; damage caused by exposure to chemicals, solvents, or extreme heat; alterations or repairs carried out by a third party not authorised by SÈVE; or loss or damage to jadeite stones resulting from improper wear or storage.
Resizing is available for SÈVE rings, subject to the setting and stone configuration of each piece. Contact our Concierge team to discuss your piece and we will advise on what is possible.
Yes. SÈVE offers complimentary professional cleaning for the lifetime of every piece, including gentle cleansing of metal and diamond elements and a surface refresh appropriate for natural, untreated jadeite. We recommend bringing your piece in annually for inspection and care.
Avoid exposure to fragrance, soap, chemicals, and cosmetics — wait until these have dried completely before wearing your jewellery. Remove jadeite pieces before any activity involving impact, heavy lifting, or contact with abrasive surfaces. Keep pieces away from intense heat and extreme temperature changes. For cleaning, a soft lint-free cloth dampened with plain water is sufficient for daily maintenance; for a thorough clean, use a drop of pH-neutral mild soap with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Concierge
You may reach our Concierge team by email at concierge@sevejadeite.com, by WhatsApp at +852 6040 4084, or on WeChat at sevejadeite. Our team is available Monday–Saturday, 10:00–20:00 HKT. Messages received outside these hours will be answered the following business day.
Yes. We offer complimentary 30-minute private virtual consultations via Zoom or Google Meet. This is an excellent way to discuss sizing, review HKJSL certificates in real time, or explore bespoke possibilities from the comfort of your home. You can view our real-time availability and book a time directly on our Concierge page.
Our Concierge team is available for sizing guidance, provenance and gemology questions, private viewings, high-resolution documentation, bespoke commission inquiries, aftercare, warranty claims, service requests, and secondary certification coordination. All communications are handled in confidence. We aim to respond within one business day.