I've seen similar with coral... Japanese seller, single beads, very high prices.

It has a bid. Unfathomable.

Do you think that is really jade?

I don't know. I think I've seen the coral one you mentioned too. I can't help wonder if maybe they are possibly setting up a listing and bidding on it themselves, or a friend with a different account, to try to create the façade of being a reputable seller of ridiculously high cost items. Maybe I'm just paranoid lol but like you said it is unfathomable to imagine it all as legitimate.

...I mean if that bead is worth over $700.00 I have one that's near 2x it's size AND carved to I think it's a melon style shape that ought to bring in at least a few grand! LMAO! :P

The problem being the Chinese are masters at dyeing Jadeite so I would never buy something like this without getting it tested first.

That is something I need to know, how, where, who what to do to get something like this tested. Do you have a particular source like a professional gemologist that you can take an item to in person, or do you have to send the item into some type of certification company lol I know I sound clueless, because I pretty much am. lol Is it extremely costly to have something like this bead for example tested?

If you go to this website it will be very helpful. This company is the best in the US when it comes to Jade.

Depending on the Jadeite you have if Jeff is interested he will most likely test it for free. They have all needed to test Jade and their website is full of info and goodies.

http://masonkay.com/

All my best .... Danny

...for good jadeite as I find these two beads quite attractive and they can be yours for under two dollars with free shipping.