【Hong Kong, October 28, 2026】Sotheby's Autumn Sale 2026, which concluded yesterday, achieved an impressive total of US$250 million, once again demonstrating its leading position in the global high-end art and jewelry market. Among them, the highly anticipated highlight lot – an exquisite jadeite bead necklace named “Dewdrop Jadeite” – finally hammered for an astonishing US$68 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of US$35 million to US$50 million. It became the highest-priced lot of the sale and set a new auction record for a single piece of jadeite jewelry in the past five years. The overall sell-through rate of this auction reached a high of 88%, a 5 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year, indicating strong market demand for top-tier jewelry.
The “Dewdrop Jadeite” necklace is composed of 57 imperial green jadeite beads, each with a diameter exceeding 15mm. Its rich and even color, delicate and warm texture, and flowing luster make it a rare treasure seen only once in a century. The bidding process was exceptionally fierce, with multiple rounds of telephone bids and on-site competition, ultimately acquired by an anonymous Asian private collector. This sky-high transaction price not only re-affirms the scarcity and appreciation potential of top-grade jadeite in the international auction market but also injects new vitality into the Asian jewelry market.
Ms. Wenhao Ye, Head of Jewelry, Sotheby's Asia, stated after the auction: “We are very pleased with the results of this autumn sale, especially the outstanding performance of the ‘Dewdrop Jadeite’ necklace, which once again proves Asian collectors' love and appreciation for top-grade jadeite. The strong performance of this season's auction is not only due to the exceptional quality of the lots themselves but also reflects the sustained demand from high-net-worth individuals for hard asset allocation amidst global economic recovery.”
In addition to the jadeite necklace, several rare gemstones and antique jewels also performed well in this auction. A 10.2-carat pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond ring sold for US$12.5 million, exceeding its high estimate by 20%; a 1930s sapphire and diamond suite designed by Cartier also fetched US$5.8 million, showcasing the charm of classic brands and historical heritage. Overall, the average price per lot in this auction increased by approximately 15% compared to the same period last year, highlighting the market's pursuit of rare, high-quality jewelry.
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out: “The success of Sotheby's Autumn Sale 2026, especially the stellar performance of jadeite lots, indicates that the Asian jewelry market, particularly the high-end jadeite and colored gemstone market, will continue to maintain strong growth momentum in the coming years. Global economic uncertainties have instead prompted investors to turn their attention to hard assets with scarcity and artistic value. At the same time, the rise of a younger generation of collectors has brought new aesthetic preferences and consumption vitality to the market. However, we should also note that market polarization is evident, with limited premium space for ordinary quality jewelry, while truly top-tier, storied collectibles will continue to be recognized by the market for their value.”
Looking ahead, with the continuous accumulation of global wealth and the vigorous economic development in Asia, the high-end jewelry auction market is expected to remain active. International auction houses like Sotheby's will continue to source top treasures globally to meet the growing demand from collectors. Simultaneously, technological empowerment will bring more convenience and transparency to jewelry appraisal and transactions, further promoting the healthy development of the industry.