Beijing, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly Auction Spring 2026 concluded successfully today. The total transaction volume of this auction reached an impressive RMB 2.85 billion, with a sell-through rate of 86.5%, representing a 12.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the strong recovery and continuous growth momentum of the art market, especially in the high-end jadeite sector.
Jadeite Bracelets Lead, High-Priced Lots Set New Records
Undoubtedly, the highlight of this spring auction was the highly sought-after jadeite bracelet special session. Among them, an exquisite jadeite bangle named “Imperial Green Full Circle Bangle” was hammered at an astonishing RMB 185 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 120 million, becoming the highest-priced lot of this auction. The bangle's rich and pure color, excellent transparency, and delicate texture perfectly exemplify the supreme quality of “Imperial Green,” with its transaction price increasing by approximately 15% compared to similar historical records.
In addition, another “Icy Green Noble Concubine Bangle” also sold for RMB 85 million, with a premium rate as high as 30%. According to Mr. Zhang Ming, head of Poly Auction's Jadeite Department, this special session for jadeite bracelets presented a total of 35 lots, with a total transaction volume reaching RMB 620 million and a sell-through rate as high as 94.3%. The average transaction price for each lot exceeded RMB 17 million, fully demonstrating the scarcity and investment value of top-tier jadeite in the market.
Market Analysis: Scarcity and Cultural Value Drive the High-End Jadeite Market
Ms. Li Hua, a veteran auction industry journalist and jadeite market analyst, pointed out: “The success of Poly's spring auction, especially the outstanding performance of the jadeite bracelet segment, once again confirms the resilience and appreciation potential of the high-end jadeite market, particularly for jadeite with scarcity, high quality, and cultural heritage value. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, top-tier jadeite, as a hard currency, has increasingly highlighted its safe-haven attributes, attracting significant attention from high-net-worth collectors and investors.”
Ms. Li Hua further analyzed: “The transaction prices of high-quality jadeite bracelets in this auction generally exceeded expectations. This not only reflects the market's pursuit of scarce resources but also demonstrates collectors' recognition of the cultural connotations and aesthetic value behind jadeite. In the coming years, we anticipate that the market demand for top-tier jadeite will remain strong, and prices still have room to rise, but considerations for quality and provenance will become even stricter.”
Expert Commentary: Quality Reigns Supreme, Market Tends Towards Rationality
Professor Wang, Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China and a renowned jadeite appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “The auction results are exciting, but we should also note that the market is becoming more rational. While high-quality jadeite continues to set new records, lots of ordinary quality or with flaws have seen relatively stable or even slightly adjusted transaction prices. This indicates that collectors are paying more attention to the jadeite's inherent quality, craftsmanship, and traceable provenance when making investment decisions. 'Quality reigns supreme' will be the main theme of the jadeite market in the future.”
Professor Wang advised that for ordinary investors, it is essential to enhance their knowledge of jadeite, choose reputable auction houses and dealers, and seek assistance from professional appraisal institutions to avoid blind speculation. For collectors, the focus should be on rare treasures with unique historical and cultural value, exquisite craftsmanship, and limited availability.
Outlook: Asia Market Leads, Online and Offline Integration
Looking ahead, Mr. Chen Yu, Executive Director of Poly Auction, stated: “The Asian market, especially Greater China, will continue to play a crucial role in the global art market. We will continue to deepen our traditional advantageous sectors such as jadeite, calligraphy and painting, and porcelain, and actively explore integrated online and offline auction models to provide global collectors with a more convenient and efficient collecting experience.”
The successful conclusion of Poly Auction Spring 2026 undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the global art market and pointed the way for the future development of high-end jadeite, particularly jadeite. As the collector base grows and aesthetic standards continuously improve, high quality, scarcity, and cultural significance will become the core factors determining the value of jadeite.