【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Sotheby's Spring 2026 auction concluded successfully, with the 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' sale particularly standing out. Numerous jadeite treasures fetched prices significantly exceeding their estimates, signaling a robust recovery in the high-end jadeite market.
This spring auction featured a total of 120 jadeite and jade lots, achieving a total sales value of HKD 185 million, surpassing the pre-sale high estimate by 15%. The overall sell-through rate reached 88%, with a 92% sell-through rate by lot and a 95% sell-through rate by value, significantly higher than the 75% rate in the same period last year, indicating a substantial increase in buyer confidence for high-quality jadeite.
Among the highlight lots, the much-anticipated 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace' hammered at HKD 72 million, far exceeding its highest estimate of HKD 50 million, an impressive premium of 44%. This necklace comprises 36 exquisitely textured and intensely colored Imperial Green jadeite beads, each over 12mm in diameter, in perfect condition, truly a rare treasure. Another 'Icy Green Jadeite Bangle' also sold for HKD 28 million, a 55% increase from its HKD 18 million estimate. Additionally, a masterfully carved 'White Jade Seed Stone Guanyin Sculpture' fetched HKD 12 million, setting a new record for similar lots in the past five years.
Mr. Wen Hao, Head of Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, commented: "The outstanding performance of the jadeite section in this spring auction is undoubtedly strong proof of market confidence recovery. We observe that collectors' demand for jadeite treasures with clear provenance, exceptional quality, and unique design remains robust. Especially for Imperial Green and high-icy jadeite, their rarity and potential for value appreciation make them a focal point for collectors worldwide."
In terms of buyer demographics, Asian collectors remain the primary force, with buyers from mainland China and Hong Kong contributing over 70% of the total sales. Simultaneously, private collectors from North America and Europe also showed keen interest, with intense bidding for some lots driving up the final prices.
Dr. Li Ming, a market analyst, pointed out: "The performance of the jadeite market in the Spring 2026 auction is a comprehensive reflection of the gradual global economic recovery and the increased wealth allocation needs of high-net-worth individuals. In the current complex international economic environment, jadeite, as a hard asset with both artistic and investment value, increasingly highlights its safe-haven and cultural attributes. Particularly for rare, high-quality jadeite, its price trend is expected to rise in the long term, possessing strong anti-inflation capabilities."
Looking ahead, Dr. Li Ming believes that with the growing global influence of traditional Chinese culture and the increasing identification of younger generations of collectors with jadeite culture, the jadeite market will usher in broader development opportunities. He advises collectors to focus on the '种水' (translucency and texture), color, craftsmanship, and historical provenance of jadeite, choosing exquisite pieces with unique artistic value and scarcity for investment.
Sotheby's successful spring auction not only injected a strong boost into the global art market but also further solidified Hong Kong's position as a leading hub for high-end jewelry and jadeite transactions in Asia and globally. It is anticipated that the high-end jadeite market will maintain steady growth in the coming year, with prices for exceptional pieces expected to reach new highs.