【Beijing, May 15, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.85 billion, an increase of 18.7% compared to the same period last year, with an impressive sell-through rate of 82.5%, indicating a significant rebound in market confidence. The Jadeite Jewelry section was particularly outstanding, achieving a total turnover of RMB 720 million, making it the highlight of this spring sale.
The Jadeite Jewelry special session presented a total of 260 exquisite pieces, with 215 items successfully sold, boasting a high sell-through rate of 82.7%. Several top-tier jadeite lots surpassed their estimates, leading to fierce bidding among collectors. Among them, a natural jadeite bead necklace known as 'Imperial Green', composed of 36 Imperial Green jadeite beads with diameters ranging from 13-15mm, featuring rich and even color, and fine, warm texture, was hammered at RMB 180 million, far exceeding its highest estimate of RMB 120 million, becoming the 'star lot' of this spring auction. Another 'Icy Green' jadeite bangle, admired for its translucent quality and vibrant green hue, fetched RMB 65 million, an increase of 25% over its estimate. In addition, a series of uniquely designed jadeite-inlaid jewelry pieces were also highly sought after, such as a custom-designed jadeite cabochon and diamond necklace by a renowned designer, which sold for RMB 28 million, achieving a premium rate of 35%.
Ms. Zhang Li, General Manager of the Jewelry and Watches Department at China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: "The strong performance of the Jadeite Jewelry special session in this spring auction fully confirms the scarcity and potential for value appreciation of high-end jadeite globally. We have observed that collectors' demand for jadeite masterpieces with perfect condition and excellent clarity remains robust, especially for pieces with historical provenance or unique design concepts, which tend to achieve higher premiums."
From a market analysis perspective, the strong performance of jadeite jewelry in this spring auction can be attributed to several factors: Firstly, the gradual global economic recovery has led to a wealth effect among high-net-worth individuals, increasing their demand for art and luxury investments. Secondly, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, jadeite's unique oriental charm and rarity have secured its unique position in the global art market. In recent years, with deepening international exchanges, overseas collectors' awareness and interest in Chinese jadeite have continuously increased. Furthermore, the professional operation of the auction house in consigning and promoting lots also laid the foundation for successful transactions.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, commented: "The transaction data from China Guardian's spring auction for jadeite jewelry conveys the market's firm confidence in high-quality jadeite. Although the global economy still faces uncertainties, the resilience and collection value of top-tier jadeite are increasingly prominent. In the coming years, we expect the high-end jadeite market to continue its steady growth, especially for exquisite pieces possessing rarity, artistry, and cultural connotations, whose value will continue to be recognized by the market. Simultaneously, with the rise of younger generations of collectors, jadeite works with novel designs and integrated modern elements will also have broader market space."
Looking ahead, China Guardian will continue to cultivate the jadeite jewelry market, striving to present more treasures with both artistic value and investment potential to collectors. The success of this spring auction undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the art market for the second half of 2026, signaling the arrival of a vibrant collecting season.