Understanding Your Certificate
Every Steppe & Co. piece is supplied with its own physical certificate of authenticity, issued by an independent specialist laboratory in China.
The certificate records the laboratory’s findings, identifies the tested object and provides a direct route to the laboratory’s official verification record.
Your certificate belongs to the piece.
The certificate is created after the finished object has been examined. Its reference photograph and unique laboratory test number connect the document to that individual piece, not simply to a type of material or product collection.
Keep the original certificate with the piece and pass it on if the product is ever gifted or transferred. It is an important part of the object’s permanent record.
The Key Result: Jadeite (Type A)
On your certificate, the laboratory conclusion may appear as:
翡翠（A货）| Jadeite (Type A)
Type A describes natural jadeite that has not been acid bleached, dyed or impregnated with polymer resin. Traditional surface waxing may be present as part of normal polishing and finishing.
This classification concerns the identity and treatment status of the jadeite. It is not a grade of colour, translucency, craftsmanship, rarity or monetary value.
What you will find on your certificate
The certificate brings together the identifying details and test results for your individual piece. The layout and wording may vary, but the following information will usually appear.
- Laboratory Conclusion
The laboratory’s identification of the tested material and, where applicable, its treatment classification. For Steppe & Co. jadeite, look for 翡翠（A货） — Jadeite (Type A).
- Certificate number
A unique reference issued by the laboratory. This is the number used to locate the official verification record and distinguish your certificate from every other test result.
- Reference photograph
An image of the exact piece presented for testing. Compare its form, colour distribution and visible pattern with the physical object.
- Recorded weight
The weight measured when the piece was tested. Small differences can occur between laboratory equipment or displayed decimal places, but the recorded value should correspond closely with the object.
- Colour and form
A concise description of the piece’s observed colour and physical shape. These are identifying details, not a full assessment of design or quality.
- Structural examination
Observations made under magnification or through gemological testing. These help the laboratory identify the material and assess whether treatment indicators are present.
- Laboratory details
The issuing organisation’s name, official marks and relevant sign-off information identify the independent body responsible for the examination.
- Verification QR code
The QR code links to the laboratory’s official website, where the certificate number and available test information can be checked directly.