【Beijing, May 18, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.85 billion, a 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The highly anticipated 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' special session was particularly outstanding, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction with a total turnover of RMB 720 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 88.5%, far exceeding market expectations.
The Jadeite Jewelry special session offered 260 lots, with all 18 top-tier jadeite pieces estimated at over ten million RMB successfully sold, demonstrating strong demand from the high-end collecting market for rare treasures. The leading lot, an 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace,' composed of 38 exquisite Imperial Green jadeite beads ranging from 12.5mm to 14.8mm in diameter, was hammered at RMB 280 million, exceeding its lowest estimate by 20% and setting a new auction record for jadeite bead necklaces at China Guardian in the past three years. Another piece, an 'Icy Green Jadeite Bangle,' known for its delicate texture and rich color, sold for RMB 85 million, an 18% increase over its estimate. Additionally, several high-quality jadeite cabochons, pendants, and earrings also achieved high premiums, with one 'Old Pit Glassy Green Jadeite Cabochon Ring' selling for RMB 32 million, a remarkable increase of 25%.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
The excellent performance of jadeite jewelry in this spring auction undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the currently somewhat sluggish art market. Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The data from the 2026 spring auction clearly indicates that the high-end jadeite market is experiencing a significant recovery. Against the backdrop of increased macroeconomic uncertainty, the value preservation and appreciation attributes of top-tier jadeite, as a scarce resource and hard currency, have once again come to the fore. Especially for those exquisite jadeite treasures with excellent clarity, color, and provenance, coupled with superb craftsmanship, their resilience and investment value have been widely recognized by the market."
From the transaction data, it is evident that the market's enthusiasm for top-tier jadeite categories such as 'Imperial Green,' 'Glassy Jadeite,' and 'Icy Jadeite' remains undiminished, with prices showing a steady upward trend. At the same time, uniquely designed and exquisitely set modern jadeite jewelry is gradually gaining favor among younger collectors, indicating a trend towards diversified aesthetics in the market. However, the mid-to-low-end jadeite market still faces certain pressures, with price differentiation becoming increasingly apparent, and collectors placing more emphasis on quality and rarity when making choices.
Expert Commentary:
Ms. Zhang Hua, General Manager of China Guardian's Jewelry and Watches Department, stated: "The success of this spring auction's jadeite jewelry is attributed to our strict control over the quality of the lots and our accurate judgment of market trends. We have observed that collectors' understanding and taste for jadeite are continuously improving; they no longer solely pursue 'size,' but rather focus on 'refinement' and 'rarity.' In the future, we will continue to deeply cultivate the high-end jadeite market, providing collectors with more exquisite pieces with collection value and investment potential."
Professor Wang, a renowned jade connoisseur, also emphasized: "Jadeite, as an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture, possesses unique cultural and artistic values. The success of this auction is not only a commercial triumph but also a powerful impetus for the inheritance and promotion of jadeite culture. With the gradual recovery of the global economy, it is expected that the market demand for top-tier jadeite will remain strong in the coming years, and prices are likely to continue to grow steadily."
In conclusion, the 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' special session of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction, with its exceptional transaction data and market performance, once again proved the core position and strong vitality of top-tier jadeite in the art collection market, sending a positive signal for the industry's development.