An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA May/June 2023 issue.

Jade expert, gemmologist and mineralogist Mimi Ou Yang’s profound impact on the Hong Kong jewellery industry and the jade trade is indisputable.

By establishing the Hong Kong Gems Laboratory and HK Institute of Gemmology, she strengthened the foundation of the city’s jewellery industry, ensuring the professionalism, knowledge and expertise of its professionals who, in turn, nurtured market interest in gems and jewellery.

Her accomplishments also include defining and officialising the terminology “Fei Cui Jade,” which significantly improved the market’s understanding of a gemstone prized for its distinct beauty, rarity and cultural significance, and the jadeite trade’s reputation among consumers.

Pioneering advocate

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ou Yang saw Hong Kong flourishing as a trading and processing centre for jade, but realised knowledge of the gem was poor and the industry was behind the times. There was also a lack of transparency surrounding artificial treatments in Hong Kong’s jade industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These spurred her to professionalise the trade by proposing nomenclature and identification methods for jade treatments, among others.

“Our research, combined with market analysis, resulted in the classification and identification methods of A, B, C, B+C grades. Today, this has become the industry standard for jade identification worldwide, providing stability and far-reaching benefits for the trade,” Ou Yang said.

Jade experts have embraced her findings as have relevant departments in Hong Kong. Her research suggestions have also been incorporated into the commodity regulations.

When some quarters clung to old traditions and refused to accept new jade definitions, Ou Yang responded with counterarguments based on her research and market surveys to prove her findings. “I am not swayed by opposing voices that often say we should not try new things. I have always insisted on facing reality and presenting new research results to promote the continuous development of the industry towards modernisation,” she remarked.

By continually promoting jade in her overseas lectures, Ou Yang has also been instrumental in thrusting the gem onto the international stage and making it truly global.

“As a symbol of Chinese culture, jade should not be simply viewed as a commercial product. We must apply geological information, integrate culture and new designs in the industry, produce professional books on our knowledge of the gem and promote jade culture,” she said.

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As part of its 40^th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.