【Hong Kong, October 28, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Autumn Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, with the Jewels and Jadeite Jewellery section performing exceptionally well. The highly anticipated jadeite cabochon series achieved new record sales, once again affirming the scarce value and strong demand for high-end jadeite in the market. The total sales for this autumn auction reached HK$1.25 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88%, fully demonstrating global collectors' confidence in top-tier art and jewelry.
The undisputed highlight of this auction was Lot 3008, an 'Imperial Green Jadeite and Diamond Ring'. Its main stone was an exquisite old-mine glass-jadeite imperial green cabochon, measuring 25.5 x 20.8 x 12.3 mm. Its rich and even color, fine and warm texture, and crystal-clear transparency made it a rare treasure in the market in recent years. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered at HK$185 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (HK$80 million to HK$120 million), with a premium rate of 54%, setting a new world record for a single jadeite cabochon of its kind. Additionally, another 'Jadeite and Diamond Necklace' composed of five jadeite cabochons of similar size and consistent color was sold for HK$98 million, an increase of nearly 40% compared to its pre-sale estimate (HK$50 million to HK$70 million).
Ms. Shi Lihua, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated in a post-auction interview: "The outstanding performance of jadeite cabochons in this autumn sale once again proves the unshakable position of top-tier jadeite in the global collecting community. Especially imperial green cabochons like Lot 3008, their rarity, perfection, and historical provenance endow them with artistic and investment value that transcends ordinary jewelry. We observe that even amidst global economic uncertainties, truly scarce and exceptionally high-quality artworks and jewelry maintain their value, and even appreciate against the trend."
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out that the high prices achieved by jadeite cabochons in this Christie's autumn sale were not accidental. He believes that the current global demand from high-net-worth individuals for value preservation and appreciation is growing, and top-tier jadeite, due to its non-renewable nature, cultural attributes, and unique Eastern aesthetics, has become an important choice for hedging and asset allocation. Mr. Li Ming predicts that within the next five years, high-quality, large-sized old-mine glass-jadeite cabochons will remain the focus of market pursuit, with their prices expected to maintain a steady annual growth of 10%-15%. At the same time, he also reminds collectors that market differentiation will become increasingly apparent, with ordinary quality jadeite having a limited audience, thus investment requires caution, and focus should be placed on fine pieces with excellent '种水色' (texture, clarity, and color) and clear provenance.
From a macro perspective, collectors in Asia, especially Greater China, remain the main force in the high-end jadeite market. The success of this auction also reflects the undiminished enthusiasm for traditional Chinese cultural art. In the future, with sustained global wealth growth and the competition for rare resources, the collection value and investment potential of top-tier jadeite will be further explored. Christie's outstanding performance in this autumn sale undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the 2026 art and jewelry market, indicating that the high-end collecting market will continue to maintain its unique resilience and vitality.