【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sale of HK$2.85 billion, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%. The sell-through rate by lot was 87%, and by value, it reached 92%. Among them, the highly anticipated Jewels and Jadeite sale performed exceptionally well, with top lots represented by natural Burmese A-grade jadeite continuing to drive market enthusiasm, once again affirming its unique position in the Asian and global collecting circles.
The total sale for the Jewels and Jadeite section reached HK$980 million. Several Burmese jadeite treasures set new records for similar items. The leading lot, an 'Imperial Green' natural jadeite bead necklace, fetched an astonishing HK$280 million, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of HK$180 million, representing a remarkable increase of 55.5%. This necklace, composed of 38 perfectly flawless Imperial Green jadeite beads, each measuring 15mm in diameter, boasts rich color, fine texture, and plump roundness, hailed by several seasoned collectors as a rare masterpiece in the market over the past decade. Another 'Icy Clear Water' natural jadeite bangle sold for HK$120 million, a premium of 50% over its HK$80 million estimate, demonstrating strong market demand for high-quality icy jadeite.
Additionally, a natural jadeite carving named 'Fu Lu Shou' (Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity) sold for HK$65 million. While not setting a new record, it steadily reached the higher end of its pre-sale estimate range. Overall, the sell-through rate for Burmese jadeite lots in this spring sale was as high as 95%, with an average premium rate exceeding 30%, fully demonstrating its strong market resilience and investment value.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:
Ms. Shi Lihua, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated in an interview, "The success of this spring sale once again proves the central position of top-tier Burmese jadeite in the global collecting market. Despite global economic uncertainties, rare and high-quality jadeite, especially pieces with historical provenance or unique craftsmanship, remain robust in value, even appreciating against the trend. We observe that buyers from Greater China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East continue to show strong demand for high-end jadeite. They not only focus on the 'species, water, color, and craftsmanship' of the jadeite but also its rarity and artistic value."
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out, "The resources of Burmese jadeite are increasingly depleted, and the difficulty and cost of mining high-quality raw stones are constantly increasing. This directly leads to a sharp reduction in the supply of top-tier jadeite in the market. Against the backdrop of supply falling short of demand, coupled with its unique cultural connotations and oriental aesthetic value, Burmese jadeite has become an ideal choice for hedging against inflation and preserving or increasing value. In the coming years, we expect the high-end jadeite market to continue to maintain steady growth, especially for those rare pieces that meet 'museum-grade' collection standards, which still have huge room for price appreciation."
The results of this Christie's spring sale not only injected a shot in the arm for the global art market but also provided clear guidance for the high-end jewelry collecting sector. As collectors' pursuit of rarity and artistic value continues to grow, Burmese jadeite will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in the auction market.