Hong Kong, November 15, 2026 – The highly anticipated Sotheby's Autumn 2026 Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' sale performing exceptionally well, once again affirming the enduring vitality and investment value of high-end jadeite treasures in the art market. The total auction turnover reached an impressive US$280 million, with a sell-through rate of 88%. Jadeite lots contributed significantly, with a total sales figure exceeding US$120 million, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating robust market demand for top-tier jadeite.
The highlight of this auction was undoubtedly several rare jadeite masterpieces. 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, boasting rich, even color and fine, translucent texture, fetched a staggering US$45 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of US$30 million, representing a premium of 50%. Another highly anticipated piece, a 'Fortune and Longevity' jadeite bangle, with its vibrant emerald green hue and excellent translucency, sold for US$22 million, an increase of 46.7% over its US$15 million estimate. Furthermore, a Qing Dynasty imperial white jade carving of 'Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl' achieved US$18 million, setting a new auction record for white jade carvings in the past five years, indicating the continued enthusiasm for ancient jade collecting.
Ms. Wendy Ye, Head of Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, stated in an interview, "The performance of jadeite in the Autumn 2026 sale exceeded our expectations. The successful sale of the 'Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace' not only highlights its dual value as both an artwork and an investment but also reflects the continuous pursuit of rare, high-quality jadeite by top global collectors. We observe that market demand for jadeite treasures with clear provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and perfect condition remains strong, especially for those pieces with historical lineage or unique cultural significance, which possess immense potential for value appreciation."
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out, "The jadeite sales data from this Sotheby's autumn auction further solidifies the trend of steady growth in the high-end jadeite market. Despite global economic uncertainties, top-tier jadeite, as a scarce resource and a hard currency, serves as an important choice for safe-haven capital due to its value preservation and appreciation attributes. In the coming years, we anticipate that prices for high-quality jadeite and Hetian jade will continue to rise, especially for those museum-grade treasures. Concurrently, the growing interest in jadeite culture among younger generations of collectors is also injecting new vitality into the market."
The success of this auction not only brought substantial revenue to Sotheby's but also provided a strong boost to the entire jadeite art market. Industry insiders generally believe that with the continuous accumulation of global wealth and the expanding collector base in Asia, jadeite treasures, as carriers of Eastern aesthetics and cultural heritage, will continue to see their market value climb, becoming an indispensable and important segment in the field of art investment.