Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report for Imperial Jadeite - Glass Type

I. Market Overview and Price Trends

In the second quarter of 2024, the market for imperial jadeite (glass type) generally showed a stable yet upward trend, particularly in the high-end boutique sector, where prices demonstrated strong resilience and growth potential. Influenced by factors such as the global economic recovery, consumer pursuit of scarce resources, and cultural value recognition, glass-type jadeite, as a preferred choice for collection and investment, maintained its market popularity.

This quarter, the average price range for glass-type jadeite was:

* Colorless Glass Type (Cabochon/Ring Face): 15,000 - 80,000 CNY/carat
* Clear Water/Blue Water Glass Type (Cabochon/Ring Face): 25,000 - 150,000 CNY/carat
* Imperial Green Glass Type (Cabochon/Ring Face): 100,000 - 500,000+ CNY/carat

Compared to the previous quarter, the overall price increase for glass-type jadeite was approximately 3% - 8%. Among these, imperial green glass-type jadeite with excellent quality, transparency, and color saw an increase of 10% - 15%. In terms of market transaction volume, the total online and offline transaction value for glass-type jadeite this quarter is estimated to be 1.5 billion - 2 billion CNY, a quarter-on-quarter increase of approximately 5%. Transactions of high-quality, high-value boutique glass-type jadeite were active, becoming the main growth driver in the market.

II. Price Comparison of Different Quality Grades

The value of glass-type jadeite varies significantly, mainly influenced by the four key elements: 'zong' (texture/transparency), 'shui' (clarity/luster), 'se' (color), and 'gong' (craftsmanship). Below is a price comparison of different quality grades:

  • Top-tier Glass Type (Imperial Green/Positive Green): Reaching the ultimate in 'zong' and 'shui', with a delicate, glass-like texture, strong fluorescence, rich, pure, and even color, free from impurities and cracks. Such jadeite is extremely rare, often appearing as ring faces, pendants, or bracelets, with prices typically ranging from 100,000 - 500,000+ CNY/carat, or even higher. Its price fluctuates significantly due to market supply and demand, but in the long run, its value preservation and appreciation potential are the strongest.


  • High-quality Glass Type (Clear Water/Blue Water/Colorless): Good 'zong' and 'shui', high transparency, with fluorescence, elegant or colorless, pure texture. This type of jadeite is a mainstream high-end product in the market, with a price range of 25,000 - 150,000 CNY/carat. Among them, clear water and blue water are highly favored by consumers for their unique color charm, with prices steadily rising.


  • Medium-quality Glass Type: Slightly inferior to top-tier in 'zong' and 'shui', possibly with slight cotton-like inclusions or fine stone lines, and slightly lighter or less even color, but still maintaining the transparency of glass type. This type of jadeite is mostly used for inlaid jewelry, with prices ranging from 15,000 - 25,000 CNY/carat. Its price fluctuations are relatively small, suitable for entry-level collectors.


III. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Scarcity Drives Continuous Price Increases: The increasing depletion of high-quality jadeite resources is an irreversible trend. The difficulty of mining Burmese jadeite roughs has increased, and the output of high-quality roughs has sharply decreased, further highlighting the scarcity of glass-type jadeite, which will continue to support its price increase.


  • Emphasis on Both Cultural Value and Investment Attributes: Jadeite holds deep roots in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing auspiciousness and wealth. With the improvement of the national economy and strengthening cultural confidence, consumers have a higher recognition of jadeite's cultural value, and its investment attributes are becoming increasingly prominent, making it an important component of asset allocation.


  • Personalized Customization and Design Innovation: Market demand for personalized and customized jadeite jewelry is continuously growing. Designers combine traditional jadeite with modern aesthetics, enhancing the added value and market competitiveness of glass-type jadeite through exquisite craftsmanship and creative design.


  • Integrated Development of Online and Offline: With the rise of new media such as live streaming e-commerce and short videos, jadeite sales channels are becoming increasingly diversified. Online platforms have expanded the consumer base and improved transaction efficiency, but offline physical stores remain important venues for high-end jadeite experiences and trust building. In the future, integrated online and offline development will become the norm.


Forecast: It is expected that in the second half of 2024, the market for imperial jadeite (glass type) will continue to maintain steady growth. Prices for top-tier glass-type jadeite are expected to continue to reach new highs, while high-quality clear water and blue water glass-type jadeite will also maintain strong growth momentum. Prices for ordinary glass-type jadeite will stabilize but still have room for slight increases.

IV. Investment Advice

  • Prioritize Top-tier Boutiques: For collectors with higher investment budgets, prioritize top-tier glass-type jadeite with excellent 'zong', 'shui', 'se', and 'gong', especially imperial green or positive green. Such jadeite has the strongest scarcity and value preservation/appreciation potential, making it the first choice for long-term investment.


  • Focus on Special Varieties: Clear water and blue water glass-type jadeite, due to their unique aesthetic value and relatively affordable prices, have good market prospects. Choosing special glass-type jadeite with pure color, good clarity, and no obvious flaws is also a good investment direction.


  • Emphasize Authoritative Appraisal: When purchasing glass-type jadeite, always choose reputable dealers and request appraisal certificates issued by authoritative institutions (such as GIC, China University of Geosciences Jewelry Testing Center, etc.) to ensure A-grade quality.


  • Learn Professional Knowledge: Investing in jadeite requires certain professional knowledge, including the ability to distinguish 'zong', 'shui', 'se', and 'gong', and an understanding of market trends. It is recommended to learn more, communicate more, and improve appreciation skills to avoid blindly following trends.


  • Long-term Holding Strategy: As a non-renewable resource, the value of jadeite often takes a longer time to realize. Investors are advised to adopt a long-term holding strategy to obtain greater appreciation potential.


Disclaimer: This report is based on current market data and trend analysis and is for reference only, not constituting any investment advice. The jadeite market carries risks, and investors should make decisions cautiously.