【Beijing, May 15, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated 'Brilliant Condensation – Jadeite Jewelry' special session performing exceptionally well. The total sales reached an impressive RMB 380 million, with a sell-through rate of 88%, significantly exceeding market expectations. This achievement not only highlights the strong recovery of the high-end jadeite jewelry market but also reaffirms China Guardian's leading position in the field of jewelry auctions.
The special session featured 120 exquisite lots, covering a wide range of categories from Imperial Green jadeite bangles and necklaces to cabochons and carved pieces. Among them, an 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace' became the highlight of the entire session due to its ultimate translucency (种水), uniform color, and perfect craftsmanship. Composed of 38 Imperial Green jadeite beads, each approximately 12mm in diameter, the necklace ultimately sold for an astonishing RMB 85 million after multiple rounds of intense bidding. This price represents a premium of over 21% above its estimate (RMB 60-70 million), setting a new auction record for similar jadeite bead necklaces in the past three years.
Another highly anticipated lot was an 'Old Pit Glassy Imperial Green Jadeite Bangle,' known for its mature translucency, rich green color, and full shape. It eventually sold for RMB 42 million, exceeding its upper estimate (RMB 35 million) by 20%. Additionally, an 'Icy Translucent Vibrant Green Jadeite Cabochon Ring,' with its crystal-clear texture and vivid green hue, also fetched a high price of RMB 15 million, demonstrating the market's continued pursuit of high-quality smaller jadeite pieces.
Ms. Zhang Li, General Manager of China Guardian's Jewelry and Watches Department, stated in an interview: “The success of this jadeite jewelry special session is the result of multiple converging factors. Firstly, the global economy is gradually recovering, and the investment confidence of high-net-worth individuals has increased. Secondly, there is a sustained strong demand in the market for scarce, high-quality jadeite jewelry, especially top-tier old pit jadeite with significant collection value, whose preservation and appreciation attributes are becoming increasingly prominent. Finally, we also benefited from the meticulous selection of consignments and professional marketing efforts.”
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out: “The results of this auction send a clear signal: the high-end jadeite market has completely emerged from its slump and entered a new upward channel. Especially for exquisite pieces with historical heritage, superb craftsmanship, and not overly hyped by the market, their price appreciation potential is enormous. In the coming years, we expect the prices of top-tier jadeite such as Imperial Green and glassy translucent types to continue to show steady growth, while some distinctive and uniquely designed jadeite art pieces will also gradually gain attention.”
From the transaction data, the premium rates in this auction were generally high, especially for top lots, whose selling prices typically exceeded estimates by 15% to 30%. This indicates a strong enthusiasm among buyers for fine jadeite and a willingness to pay higher premiums for rarity and uniqueness. Concurrently, the interest in jadeite among younger generations of collectors is also gradually increasing. They tend to prefer fashionable jadeite jewelry with strong design aesthetics and wearability, which brings new vitality and growth points to the jadeite market.
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of China's economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, jadeite, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, will have its market and artistic value further explored. China Guardian will continue to cultivate the high-end jewelry market, committed to presenting more jadeite treasures that combine artistry, investment value, and heritage to collectors, leading the market towards new prosperity.