【Hong Kong, November 10, 2026】The highly anticipated Sotheby's Autumn 2026 Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sales figure of HK$1.25 billion, significantly exceeding the pre-sale estimate of HK$850 million. The impressive 92% sell-through rate demonstrates the continued strong appetite of global collectors for top-tier jewelry and art. Among the highlights, an Imperial Green Jadeite bead necklace, aptly named “Light of the Emperor,” fetched an astonishing HK$280 million, becoming the star lot of the auction and setting a new auction record for jadeite necklaces in the past five years.
The necklace, composed of 28 plump, well-rounded, and uniformly colored Imperial Green jadeite beads, each exceeding 15mm in diameter, boasts a rich, deep emerald hue, fine and warm texture, and exceptional translucency. It is considered one of the finest jadeite necklaces to appear on the market in the last decade. Its final hammer price was nearly 87% higher than its pre-sale estimate of HK$150 million, underscoring the scarcity and potential for value appreciation of top-grade jadeite in the global luxury market.
Beyond the “Light of the Emperor” necklace, several other high-quality jadeite lots also performed exceptionally well in this auction. For instance, a pair of vibrant green jadeite earrings sold for HK$52 million, exceeding its estimate by 50%; an old-mine glass-like jadeite bangle fetched HK$88 million, representing a 60% increase. Overall, jadeite lots accounted for a total sales value of HK$550 million, making up 44% of the total sales, with an average sell-through rate of 95%. This once again confirms jadeite's status as a 'hard currency' in the Asian collectibles market.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
Mr. Li Ming, a seasoned auction industry journalist and jadeite market analyst, noted: “The success of Sotheby's autumn auction, particularly the outstanding performance of top-grade jadeite, clearly sends a signal: despite global economic uncertainties, the demand from high-net-worth individuals for rare, value-preserving, and culturally significant luxury goods remains robust. Imperial Green jadeite, in particular, with its irreplaceable natural resources and profound cultural heritage in the East, stands out as an ideal choice for inflation hedging and wealth inheritance.”
Mr. Li further analyzed: “From the sales data, it's evident that collectors are increasingly demanding higher quality in jadeite. Color, translucency (種水), craftsmanship, and historical provenance are critical factors determining its value. In the coming years, we anticipate that prices for top-tier jadeite will continue to show steady growth, especially for pieces with clear origins, perfect condition, and rare dimensions. Concurrently, with the rise of younger collectors, jadeite jewelry with strong design elements and modern aesthetics will also gradually gain attention.”
Expert Commentary:
Ms. Chan Lai Wah, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Jewelry Association, commented: “The sale price of the 'Light of the Emperor' jadeite necklace once again proves the unique allure and market value of top-grade jadeite. This is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a work of art, embodying the wonders of nature and the exquisite skill of artisans. The deep emotional connection and cultural identity with jadeite in the Asian market, particularly in Greater China, are crucial supports for its continuously rising prices. We are seeing more and more international collectors recognizing the value of jadeite, which will undoubtedly further its internationalization.”
Sotheby's impressive autumn auction results undoubtedly bring a successful close to the global art and jewelry market in 2026, and inject strong confidence into the upcoming 2027 market. The scarcity and cultural value of top-grade jadeite will continue to lead the development direction of the Asian jewelry collection market.