Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report for Imperial Jadeite - Glass Type

I. Market Overview and Price Trends

In the second quarter of 2024, the market for imperial jadeite (glass type) generally showed a steady upward trend, especially in the high-end boutique sector, where scarcity and collection value continued to drive price increases. Compared to the same period last year, the average price of glass-type jadeite rose by approximately 8%-12%, with top-tier collectible glass-type jadeite seeing an increase of 15%-20%. Market transaction volume also remained active, particularly in online auctions and high-end customization channels.

Price Range and Fluctuations:

* Ordinary Glass Type (no obvious flaws, good clarity and texture, elegant light color): Price range per carat is RMB 8,000 - 30,000, an increase of about 5%-8% from the previous quarter.
* High-Quality Glass Type (exhibiting fluorescence, strong gelatinous feel, even color, colorless or slightly clear/blue water): Price range per carat is RMB 30,000 - 80,000, an increase of about 8%-12% from the previous quarter.
* Top Collectible Glass Type (strong fluorescence, excellent glassy luster, colorless or ice type with vibrant green/imperial green, perfectly flawless): Price range per carat is RMB 80,000 - 300,000, with some exceptional pieces exceeding RMB 500,000 per carat, an increase of about 10%-15% from the previous quarter.

Trading Volume:

The overall trading volume of glass-type jadeite in this quarter increased by approximately 15% compared to the previous quarter, primarily concentrated in high-end auctions and professional jewelry exhibitions. Online trading platforms also contributed significantly to transaction volume, but mainly for mid-to-low-end glass-type jadeite.

II. Price Comparison of Different Quality Grades

The price of imperial jadeite (glass type) varies greatly, mainly influenced by factors such as "texture (种), clarity (水), color (色), craftsmanship (工), and cracks (裂)".

* Colorless Glass Type: Prices are primarily determined by texture, clarity, and transparency. Top-tier colorless glass-type jadeite, due to its pure and flawless nature, resembling clear glass, holds extremely high market value. For example, a 10-carat top-tier colorless glass-type cabochon can fetch millions of RMB.
* Clear/Blue Water Glass Type: This type has a faint blue or green hue on the basis of glass type, adding an elegant touch. Its price is usually higher than that of colorless glass type of the same grade, depending on the saturation, uniformity, and brightness of the color.
* Colored Glass Type (Vibrant Green/Imperial Green): These are the ultimate treasures among glass-type jadeite. Even a hint of vibrant green or imperial green can increase its value exponentially. For instance, a 5-carat glass-type imperial green cabochon can easily exceed ten million RMB, making it a coveted item for collectors.

III. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

Trend Analysis:

  • Scarcity Drives Price Increases: The depletion of high-quality jadeite rough resources, especially for top-tier materials like glass type, leads to a continuous decrease in market supply, which is a core factor supporting price increases.

  • Strong Collection and Investment Demand: Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, high-quality jadeite, as a hard currency and an asset for value preservation and appreciation, is favored by more and more high-net-worth individuals.

  • Upgraded Aesthetics and Cultural Recognition: Consumers' aesthetic demands for jadeite are continuously rising, pursuing ultimate texture, clarity, and craftsmanship. At the same time, jadeite, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, further enhances its market appeal.

  • Integration of Online and Offline: New media forms such as live streaming and short videos have broadened jadeite sales channels and increased market transparency, but high-end transactions still primarily occur offline.


Market Forecast:

It is expected that the market for imperial jadeite (glass type) will continue to maintain steady growth in the coming year. Prices for top-tier collectible glass-type jadeite still have significant room for appreciation, potentially reaching 10%-18%. Prices for ordinary glass-type jadeite will remain stable or see a slight increase (5%-10%). However, market acceptance for mid-to-low-end glass-type jadeite will gradually become more rational, with limited price appreciation potential.

IV. Investment Recommendations

  • Prioritize Top Quality: When investing in glass-type jadeite, prioritize top-tier pieces with excellent texture and clarity, strong fluorescence, gelatinous feel, and no flaws. Such jadeite not only has strong value preservation and appreciation capabilities but also better liquidity.

  • Focus on Rare Colors: Glass-type jadeite with rare colors (such as imperial green, vibrant green, high-quality clear/blue water) on top of colorless glass type has higher investment value.

  • Value Craftsmanship and Design: Exquisite carving craftsmanship and unique designs can greatly enhance the artistic value and market competitiveness of jadeite pieces.

  • Seek Professional Appraisal: When purchasing high-value glass-type jadeite, always seek appraisal certificates from authoritative institutions to ensure its authenticity and quality.

  • Long-Term Holding Strategy: Jadeite investment is a long-term investment with relatively small short-term fluctuations. A long-term holding strategy should be adopted to enjoy the value growth brought by its scarcity.

  • Diversify Investment Risks: For investors with larger capital, consider diversifying investments across glass-type jadeite of different qualities and colors to reduce the investment risk of a single variety.


Conclusion: The market for imperial jadeite (glass type) performed strongly in the second quarter of 2024. Its scarcity, cultural value, and investment attributes make it a hot spot for jewelry collection and investment. Investors should grasp market trends and carefully select high-quality pieces to achieve substantial returns.