【Beijing, May 18, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' special sale performing exceptionally well, achieving a total turnover exceeding RMB 350 million and a remarkable 88.5% sell-through rate, far surpassing market expectations. This outstanding performance not only highlights the resilience and vitality of the high-end jadeite jewelry market but also injects a strong dose of confidence into the current art market.
The highlight of this auction was undoubtedly several top-tier jadeite treasures. Among them, a 'Imperial Green' natural jadeite bead necklace fetched an astonishing RMB 120 million, setting a new record for similar items in the past three years, an increase of 20% over its estimate. The necklace comprises 28 plump, round, and intensely colored Imperial Green jadeite beads, all exhibiting excellent clarity and luster, truly a rare treasure. Another highly anticipated lot was a 'Fu Lu Shou' three-color jadeite bangle, which sold for RMB 45 million, achieving a premium rate of 15%. Additionally, a uniquely designed full-green jadeite ring was successfully acquired for RMB 28 million, demonstrating collectors' continued strong demand for exquisite jadeite.
Beyond jadeite, diamonds and colored gemstones also performed strongly. A 10.08-carat D-color flawless round brilliant-cut diamond ring sold for RMB 68 million, setting a new record for the highest per-carat price for a diamond sold by China Guardian in recent years. Several rare colored gemstones, such as Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, and Kashmir sapphires, also sold for 10%-25% above their estimates, indicating strong market demand for scarce gemstones.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:
The success of China Guardian's spring auction, particularly the stellar performance of the jadeite jewelry section, sends several important market signals. Firstly, the investment value and safe-haven properties of the high-end jadeite market have been re-validated. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, top-tier jadeite, as a scarce resource, is favored by high-net-worth individuals for its ability to preserve and increase value. Secondly, the buyer demographic is becoming younger and more diverse. According to auction house statistics, the proportion of younger collectors aged 35-50 among bidders has increased, showing greater interest in jewelry with strong design appeal, combining both artistic and wearable qualities. Lastly, the market's pursuit of quality has reached an unprecedented level. Only top-quality jadeite with excellent clarity, color, and craftsmanship can attract collectors, while ordinary jadeite faces significant market pressure.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, a renowned jewelry appraisal expert and Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, stated: "The sales data for jadeite jewelry at this Guardian spring auction is exhilarating. The record-breaking sale of the 'Imperial Green' bead necklace not only reflects its intrinsic rare value but also indicates that market confidence in top-tier jadeite is gradually recovering. We observe that buyers are increasingly focusing on the rarity, historical provenance, and artistic value when selecting jadeite. In the future, personalized customization and jewelry designs incorporating traditional cultural elements will be more popular."
Mr. Wang Qiang, a senior art market analyst, added: "The results of the 2026 spring auction suggest that, after a two-year adjustment period, the Chinese art market, especially the high-end jewelry sector, has shown clear signs of a bottoming out and rebound. While the overall market still requires cautious optimism, the focus on high-quality items and brand effect will be key to future auction house competition. We expect the market to continue its recovery in the second half of the year, but collectors should still be discerning when investing, selecting truly valuable collectibles."
Overall, the jadeite jewelry special sale at China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction has delivered positive signals to the industry with its impressive results, foreshadowing a vibrant and opportunistic market outlook.