Chapter 398 Stone Betting 2
If they chose the latter, the stone master used a large saw machine, equipped with a continuous flow of water to ensure smooth cutting and prevent the blade from getting stuck, especially for larger stones.
The stones in this area ranged from $500 to $2,000. For those with a keen eye or exceptional skill in identifying stones with potential jadeite, the rewards could be substantial. If they were fortunate enough to find a rare or high-quality piece, they could potentially earn up to $5,000, depending on the jade’s rarity and size.
The price of jade can increase significantly based on its purity. Despite the slim chances of finding a valuable piece, many are drawn to this form of gambling, often using their family’s savings in hopes of striking it rich.
There was even a case where someone bought a stone for $1,000, only to discover that it contained a high-purity white jade with exceptional luster. Upon seeing its quality, another buyer offered three times the original price.
As with any gamble, even a small win can be exhilarating and lead to a sense of hope that, with a bit of luck, a jackpot might be within reach. Many people are tempted by this possibility. However, the reality is that the small stones available here have a very slim chance of yielding high-quality jadeite, making the prospect more of a wishful thinking than a likely outcome.
For those determined to try their luck, it was essential to seek out the larger stones buried deeper in the pagoda. However, bigger stones don’t always equate to better quality, which is why the process remains a gamble.
Hera frequently heard her grandfather casually mention his trips to Myanmar, where these stones predominantly came from, to explore newly unearthed stones with a high potential for finding quality jade.
Her grandfather also showcased the large stones he had opened in his office, many of which yielded high-quality jade. He even struck it lucky with a piece of purple jade of the highest purity. Given its size, he could have crafted a pair of bracelets, with the excess material potentially used for beads or earrings. The total value of such a set could easily reach several million dollars, with each item individually worth millions.
Traditionally, the Chinese have cherished jade for its believed benefits, including improvements in health, luck, and love, with different colors and types of jade associated with various qualities. Jade is also used to symbolize virtues such as kindness, wisdom, integrity and more. Given its cultural significance, jade has long been a prestigious gift among the upper echelons, representing sincerity and respect.
This is why jade is so expensive, with its prices remaining high. Since Hera was already present, she decided to join in on the excitement. Whenever her grandfather spoke about stone betting, he seemed genuinely thrilled, often expressing that the thrill of feeling lucky was more exhilarating than mere wealth.
He often said that luck is also a part of one’s abilities. So, Hera decided to test her own luck. While she might not have been fortunate in life overall, having ended up as a mere cannon fodder, she wondered if perhaps she might be lucky in this particular endeavor.