【Hong Kong, May 15, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong's 2026 Spring Sale, which concluded yesterday, once again solidified its leading position in the Asian art auction market with its exceptional quality of lots and robust market performance. The total sale achieved an impressive HK$2.25 billion, with the highly anticipated high-end jadeite specialist sale performing particularly well, reaching a total of HK$880 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 92%, demonstrating the continuous pursuit of top-tier jade by global collectors.
This high-end jadeite specialist sale featured 120 exquisite pieces, with 85 successfully sold, achieving a sell-through rate of 70.8%. However, when focusing on key lots estimated over HK$10 million, the sell-through rate soared to 92%, indicating strong purchasing power from high-net-worth collectors for rare treasures. Compared to the same period last year, the high-end jadeite segment saw a 15% increase in total sales and an 8% rise in average unit price, fully demonstrating market confidence in high-quality jadeite and a steady upward trend in prices.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of this auction was a natural Burmese Imperial Green Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Necklace, aptly named 'Light of the Emperor'. With its extreme color saturation, translucent texture, and perfect cutting craftsmanship, the necklace fetched an astonishing HK$280 million after fierce bidding, far exceeding its upper estimate of HK$150 million, representing a premium rate of 86.7%. This hammer price not only set a new auction record for a jadeite necklace at Christie's but also became the highest-priced lot in this sale. Another highly anticipated lot was a Qianlong Imperial White Jade Carved 'Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl' Covered Vase, which sold for HK$120 million, a 50% increase from its HK$80 million estimate, once again confirming the market's preference for archaic and imperial jade.
Ms. Anna Stone, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated: "The strong performance of the high-end jadeite section in this spring sale, especially the astounding price achieved by the Imperial Green Jadeite, once again proves the unique position of top-tier jade in the hearts of global collectors. We observe that collectors' appreciation for the aesthetic and investment value of jade is growing, and they are more inclined to collect exquisite pieces that combine rarity, artistry, and historical value."
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The current high-end jadeite market shows a polarized trend. On one hand, rare varieties such as Imperial Green Jadeite and Mutton Fat Jade, due to their non-renewable nature and unique cultural attributes, continue to command high prices, becoming preferred options for hedging and wealth preservation. On the other hand, the mid-to-low-end jadeite market remains relatively stable, influenced by economic conditions and changing consumer attitudes. In the coming years, we anticipate that the prices of top-tier jade will continue to rise, especially for pieces with clear provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and perfect condition, which will have broader appreciation potential."
The success of this Christie's spring sale not only injected a strong dose of confidence into the global art market but also painted a vibrant picture for the high-end jadeite market. With the continuous economic growth in Asia and the global reallocation of wealth, top-tier jade, as a unique cultural asset and investment target, is expected to maintain a positive market outlook.