【Hong Kong, April 28, 2026】Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sales figure of US$280 million, once again affirming the robust vitality of the high-end jewelry market in Asia. Among the highlights, the highly anticipated 'Imperial Green' jadeite bead necklace fetched an astonishing US$85 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate (US$50-70 million), becoming the top lot of this auction and setting a new world auction record for jadeite jewelry.
This auction presented a total of 350 rare jewelry and jadeite lots, with an impressive sell-through rate of 88%, and a sell-through rate by value reaching 92%. These figures indicate that buyers' enthusiasm for high-quality, rare jewelry remains strong, especially for top-tier jadeite and colored diamonds with significant collection value.
Featured Lot: 'Imperial Green' Jadeite Bead Necklace
This necklace, composed of 38 natural 'Imperial Green' jadeite beads ranging from 12.5mm to 15.8mm in diameter, boasts a rich and even color, delicate and warm texture, and exceptional translucency, making it a pinnacle of jadeite. Its final selling price of US$85 million represents a 70% increase from the low pre-sale estimate, fully demonstrating the market's recognition of top-grade jadeite and its scarcity premium. The bidding process was exceptionally fierce, with multiple phone bidders and in-room collectors engaging in a 15-minute tug-of-war, ultimately acquired by an anonymous Asian collector.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast
Mr. Wen Hao, Head of Sotheby's Asia Jewelry Department, stated after the auction: "The success of this spring sale, especially the new record set by the 'Imperial Green' jadeite necklace, once again proves the deep interest and purchasing power of Asian collectors in top-tier jewelry. We observe a continuous growth in demand for rare gemstones and jadeite with clear provenance, exceptional quality, and unique design. Particularly, 'Imperial Green' jadeite, due to its increasingly depleted resources and cultural heritage, is expected to maintain a steady upward trend in value over the next few years."
Ms. Li Ming, Senior Specialist at Christie's Asia Jewelry Department, also commented: "Global economic uncertainties have paradoxically prompted high-net-worth individuals to invest in hard assets with potential for value preservation and appreciation. As a treasure of Eastern culture, jadeite's scarcity and non-renewable nature make it an ideal investment choice. The selling price of this 'Imperial Green' necklace will undoubtedly further boost confidence in the entire jadeite market and may drive up prices for mid-to-high-end jadeite."
Other Highlight Lots
In addition to the jadeite necklace, a 15.04-carat cushion-cut fancy vivid blue diamond ring sold for US$32 million, also significantly exceeding its estimate. Furthermore, several antique jewelry pieces designed by internationally renowned brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels performed exceptionally well, with selling prices generally above the upper end of their estimated ranges, demonstrating the significant role of brand effect and historical value in the market.
Looking ahead, with the continuous economic development and wealth accumulation in Asia, the high-end jewelry market, especially in the top-tier jadeite and rare colored diamond sectors, is expected to maintain its leading position. Collectors are increasingly focusing on investment return potential while pursuing aesthetic value, which will further drive the market towards higher quality and greater rarity.