Chelsea Filters

Jewelry Discussion
1

I was shopping for a “Chelsea Filter” online and came across some
listed as “Jadeite (Chelsea) Filter,” but in the attached picture is
shown w/ “Jadeite Filter” printed on them. Others I have found which
are listed as “Chelsea Filter” w/ no reference to jadeite other than
in the description have “Chelsea Filter” printed on them. Is there a
difference between these two filters?

2 
I was shopping for a "Chelsea Filter" online and came across some
listed as "Jadeite (Chelsea) Filter," but in the attached picture
is shown w/ "Jadeite Filter" printed on them. Others I have found
which are listed as "Chelsea Filter" w/ no reference to jadeite
other than in the description have "Chelsea Filter" printed on
them. Is there a difference between these two filters

Not usually. Chelsea filters allow our eyes to see reddish color
reactions in chromium-bearing substances, such as Colombian emeralds
and certain green jadeite jades. Some manufacturers simply take a
regular Chelsea filter, attach it to a different-looking holder and
call it a “Jadeite Filter,” but they are really the same thing.

There is, however, another filter called a “Lilac Jade Filter” that
is designed to help separate natural lilac-colored jadeite from dyed
material. If you’re unfamiliar with the difference between the two,
stick with the regular Chelsea filter unless you’ll be dealing with a
lot of lilac-colored jadeite.

Another good reason to stick with a regular Chelsea filter is
because they can help identify quite a few other as well.
A Lilac Jade Filter is only good for lilac-colored jade.

James S. Duncan, G.G.
James in SoFL

3

Yes there are some filters coming out of China.

Genuine Chelsea filter will have the name of the Gemological Society
in England printed on it.

Regards
Kenneth Singh
46 Jewelry Supply Inc