If you find a jade Guanyin pendant in the sea in China, do not treat it as a lucky windfall or as yours to sell. Treat it as possible lost property: keep it safe, record when and where you found it, and notify the owner if identifiable or contact the police or relevant local authority. If a beach operator accepts it through a formal lost-property desk, obtain a written handover record and confirm how it will reach the proper authority.
Ownership is not decided by the finder or a hotel desk
The Beijing Justice Bureau found-property explanation explains the Civil Code duty to safeguard and return found property. For a local example of a formal process, the Guangzhou Police found-property management rule requires registration, handover records, identity checks for claims, and public-authority handling when items remain unclaimed. That kind of rule is a reminder that an unclaimed item does not automatically become the finder’s or a hotel’s property.
Record condition, but do not “improve” it
- Photograph the front, back, hole, cord marks, scratches, chips, dirt and any inscription before cleaning.
- Rinse only if needed to prevent further dirt transfer; do not acid-wash, polish, bleach, oil or repair it.
- Ask the receiving unit for a receipt or written note showing date, place, item description and receiver.
- If appraisal is later allowed, use a qualified jewellery or gem-testing institution; a visual guess is not enough to call it jadeite, nephrite or imitation.
When reporting a found item, keep some identifying details private so a claimant can describe them independently. Hand over to a verified owner through the receiving unit rather than accepting an unsupported online claim. A matching general description such as “green pendant” is not enough.
The safe conclusion is simple: first solve custody and return, then material identification. Do not let curiosity about value override the found-property process.