China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction: Jadeite Jewelry Special Session Sees Market Rebound, Exquisite Pieces Emerge, and Record-Breaking Sales

【Beijing, May 18, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction recently concluded successfully, with the highly anticipated 'Brilliant Jadeite – Important Jadeite Jewelry Special Session' delivering particularly outstanding results. The total sales reached RMB 320 million, an 18.5% increase compared to the same period last year, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 89.2%. This once again confirms the steady recovery trend in the high-end jadeite jewelry market.

The special session featured 120 meticulously selected lots, encompassing various categories such as high-ice-grade and glass-grade jadeite bangles, necklaces, rings, and earrings. Among them, an 'Imperial Green Glass-Grade Jadeite Bead Necklace' became the highlight of the entire session due to its ultimate quality in clarity, color, and craftsmanship. This necklace, strung with 36 plump and round Imperial Green beads measuring 12-14 mm in diameter, boasted rich and pure color, and exceptional translucency. It was finally hammered down at a high price of RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 60 million, with a premium rate of 46.7%. Another 'High-Ice-Grade Full-Green Jadeite Bangle' also sold for RMB 45 million, showing a significant increase compared to its estimate of RMB 32 million.

From the data, the average price per lot in this spring auction's jadeite jewelry session reached RMB 2.66 million, an increase from RMB 2.25 million in last year's spring auction, indicating collectors' undiminished enthusiasm for high-quality jadeite. Particularly, top-tier jadeite with excellent clarity, transparency, and rich color performed exceptionally well, becoming the main driver of market growth.

Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:

The success of this China Guardian spring auction is not only a testament to the auction house's professional operation but also a microcosm of the increasing investment value of high-end art, especially rare jewelry, amidst the current global economic climate. We observe the following trends:

• Scarcity and Value Preservation/Appreciation: As jadeite raw material resources become increasingly depleted, the scarcity of top-tier jadeite is further highlighted. Its attribute as a hard currency for value preservation and appreciation is favored by high-net-worth individuals. Under inflationary expectations, the demand for physical asset allocation increases, and jadeite jewelry is undoubtedly a premium choice.


• Aesthetic Upgrades and Cultural Identity: The new generation of collectors' aesthetic standards for jadeite are becoming more international, while also paying more attention to its underlying Eastern cultural connotations. Works with strong design, exquisite craftsmanship, and a blend of traditional charm and modern aesthetics are more popular.


• Online-Offline Integration: Despite being an offline auction, China Guardian fully utilized online platforms during the preview and promotion stages, expanding its audience and attracting more international and younger collectors, laying the foundation for increased sales.


• Widening Polarization: The enthusiasm for top-tier jadeite remains strong, with prices continuing to rise; while mid-to-low-end jadeite faces certain market pressure and greater price fluctuations. This indicates that collectors are more rational in their investment decisions, preferring to invest in exquisite pieces with clear value and potential.

Professor Li Ming, a renowned jewelry appraisal expert and Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, stated: "The performance of the jadeite jewelry special session at this China Guardian spring auction is exhilarating. The transaction price of the Imperial Green bead necklace once again set a new record for similar lots, which is not only an affirmation of its intrinsic value but also a boost to confidence in the entire high-end jadeite market. In the coming years, we expect the prices of top-tier jadeite to continue a steady upward trend, but investors need to carefully discern and focus on rare treasures with excellent clarity, transparency, color, craftsmanship, and clear provenance."

Mr. Wang Qiang, a senior auction market analyst, added: "From a macroeconomic perspective, the global reallocation of wealth and the demand for safe-haven assets provide support for the high-end jewelry market. China Guardian, with its professional curation capabilities and strong client resources, successfully seized market opportunities. This auction also indicates that after a period of adjustment, the Chinese high-end art market, especially the jadeite jewelry sector, is entering a new growth cycle."

In summary, the impressive achievements of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction's jadeite jewelry special session not only injected a strong dose of confidence into the auction industry but also pointed the way for future market development. High-end jadeite jewelry, as a rare asset combining artistic value, cultural heritage, and investment potential, still has broad market prospects.