【Hong Kong, October 28, 2026】Sotheby's Hong Kong Autumn Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' section performing exceptionally well, once again affirming the robust position of high-end jadeite treasures in the global collecting market. The total sales for this specialized session reached HK$185 million, significantly exceeding the pre-sale estimate of HK$150 million, with a sell-through rate of 92%, an increase of 15 percentage points compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the enthusiastic pursuit of top-tier jadeite in the market.
The most striking lot of the auction was undoubtedly a natural Burmese imperial green jadeite bead necklace named 'Emerald Dewdrop'. Comprising 38 plump and lustrous jadeite beads ranging from 12.5mm to 14.8mm in diameter, with rich and even color and fine, translucent texture, it ultimately hammered for HK$82 million, far surpassing its high estimate of HK$50 million, acquired by an anonymous Asian collector. This selling price not only set a new auction record for similar jadeite bead necklaces in the past three years but also represented an approximately 18% increase compared to equivalent pieces in the Spring Sale 2024.
Another highly anticipated lot was the 'Imperial Green Jadeite Dragon Pendant', whose exquisite craftsmanship and rare imperial green hue attracted numerous bidders. This piece ultimately sold for HK$35 million, a premium of 40% over its high estimate of HK$25 million. Additionally, a uniquely designed 'Icy Jadeite Bangle with Diamonds' also fetched HK$12 million, indicating the market's preference for modern jadeite jewelry that combines both design aesthetics and high quality.
Ms. Wenfen Ye, Head of Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, stated after the auction: "The success of the jadeite section in this Autumn Sale once again proves the scarcity of top-grade natural jadeite and its investment value as a hard asset. We observe that collectors' demand for jadeite treasures with clear provenance, exceptional quality, and unique design remains strong, especially for pieces with historical heritage or unique cultural connotations, which often achieve surprising prices. The high sell-through rate of 92% also reflects increased market confidence and an expanding base of buyers."
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out: "The current global economic environment is complex, but the high-end art and luxury goods market, particularly in rare gemstones and jadeite, has shown strong resilience. The jadeite sales data from this Sotheby's Autumn Sale, especially the high premium transactions, indicates that capital is seeking channels for hedging and value appreciation. In the coming years, with the continuous growth of wealth in Asia and the increasing appreciation for traditional cultural artifacts, the market demand for top-tier jadeite will continue to maintain steady growth. However, collectors should still pay attention to key factors such as the jadeite's 'zhong shui' (translucency and texture), color, craftsmanship, and certification when investing to ensure its investment value."
Looking ahead, Sotheby's stated that it will continue to cultivate the Asian market, introducing more jadeite treasures with international vision and regional characteristics to meet increasingly diverse collecting needs. The success of this Autumn Sale undoubtedly lays a solid foundation for the upcoming Spring Sale 2027, signaling that the jadeite market will continue to maintain its vitality and charm.