【Hong Kong, May 10, 2026】Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sales figure of US$385 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15% with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88%. This performance underscores the strong demand from global art collectors, particularly in Asia, for top-tier treasures. The highly anticipated 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace' fetched an astounding US$72 million, becoming the highlight of the auction and once again affirming the unshakeable position of high-quality jadeite in the collecting world.
The star lot of this auction, the 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace', comprises 38 exquisite imperial green jadeite beads, ranging from 13.5mm to 15.8mm in diameter. Its rich and even color, coupled with a fine and warm texture, makes it a rare and top-tier jadeite masterpiece seen in the market over the past decade. The necklace was ultimately acquired by an anonymous Asian collector via telephone bidding, with the hammer price exceeding the pre-sale estimate (US$55 million - US$65 million) by 10.7% to 30.9%, showcasing collectors' fervent pursuit of rare gemstones. Notably, this selling price also set a new auction record for jadeite necklaces in the past five years, representing an increase of approximately 15% compared to the highest price for similar lots in 2021.
In addition to the jadeite necklace, other jewelry and watch lots also performed strongly. A 10.2-carat pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond ring sold for US$12.5 million, exceeding its high estimate by 20%. Several rare antique watches also fetched prices 15%-25% above their estimates, indicating collectors' preference for assets that offer both preservation of value and potential for appreciation. The Chinese paintings and ceramics sections also showed robust performance, with numerous Ming and Qing imperial porcelains and modern and contemporary master paintings changing hands at high prices, maintaining a sell-through rate above 85%.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:
The success of this Sotheby's Spring Sale sends several key market signals. Firstly, the gradual stabilization of the global economic environment has boosted the consumption and investment confidence of high-net-worth individuals, making them more willing to invest in art and jewelry with scarcity and potential for value appreciation. Secondly, the Asian market, especially collectors from Greater China, continues to be a major driving force in the global art auction market. Their preference for top-tier jadeite and traditional Chinese art continues to push up prices in related categories.
Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, stated after the auction: "The strong performance of this Spring Sale, particularly the extraordinary sale of the 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace', undoubtedly injected a strong dose of confidence into the market. We witnessed collectors' ultimate pursuit of quality and their profound understanding of rarity, heritage, and artistic value. This indicates that the high-end collectibles market has emerged from the impact of the pandemic and economic uncertainties of the past two years, entering a stage of steady recovery and sustained growth."
Dr. Li Minghua, a senior jewelry market analyst, pointed out: "Jadeite, as a unique treasure in Eastern culture, its value is not only reflected in the rarity of the material but also in its profound cultural heritage and aesthetic value. In recent years, the mineral resources of high-quality jadeite have become increasingly depleted, leading to a continuous reduction in the supply of top-tier jadeite in the market, which undoubtedly provides a solid foundation for its price increase. The selling price of this jadeite necklace is not only a reflection of its intrinsic value but also a positive indication of the future trend of the top-tier jadeite market in the coming years. It is expected that the price of top-tier jadeite will maintain a steady annual growth of 5%-10% in the next five years."
Looking ahead, with the further recovery of the global economy and the continued growth of wealth among high-net-worth individuals, the art and luxury goods market is expected to remain active. Rare gemstones, top-tier watches, and art pieces with historical and cultural value will continue to be the focus of collectors, while the Asian market, particularly mainland China and Hong Kong, will continue to play a crucial role in the global auction landscape.