Hong Kong, November 28, 2026 – Christie's Hong Kong Autumn 2026 Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sale of US$250 million, exceeding its pre-sale estimate by 15%, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88%. The highly anticipated Jewels and Jadeite sale was particularly outstanding, with a total sale of over US$80 million, representing a 12% increase compared to last year's autumn sale, once again affirming the strong resilience of the high-end collectibles market.
The undeniable highlight of this auction was several rare jadeite cabochons. Among them, a natural Burmese unheated old mine imperial green glass-like jadeite cabochon, named "Eye of Imperial Green," fetched an astonishing US$12.5 million, far surpassing its pre-sale high estimate of US$8 million, representing a premium of 56.25%. This cabochon, weighing 15.68 carats, boasts a rich and pure color with exceptional translucency, making it a rare top-tier treasure in the market in recent years. Another necklace comprising three matching old mine glass-like jadeite cabochons ultimately sold for US$18 million, also well above its pre-sale estimate of US$12 million, demonstrating collectors' pursuit of high-quality complete jadeite sets.
Mr. Stone Da Yu, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated in an interview: "The success of this autumn sale, particularly the outstanding performance of jadeite cabochons, reflects the continued robust demand from top global collectors for rare, high-quality jewelry. Amidst current macroeconomic uncertainties, hard assets, especially rare gemstones that possess both artistic and investment value, are increasingly highlighting their safe-haven attributes and appreciation potential."
From market data, the average selling price of jadeite cabochons in this auction increased by approximately 15% compared to the same period last year, with a more significant increase observed for pieces from leading brands and those with historical provenance. The geographical distribution of buyers was broad; in addition to traditional Asian collectors, buyers from the Middle East and Europe also showed strong interest, indicating that the international recognition and collector base for jadeite are gradually expanding.
Dr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out: "The performance of jadeite cabochons at this Christie's autumn sale conveys several important market signals. Firstly, the scarcity of top-tier jadeite dictates its firm and continuously rising price trend, especially under global inflation expectations, where its value preservation and appreciation functions are further strengthened. Secondly, collectors' pursuit of jadeite quality is becoming increasingly stringent; only exquisite pieces with superior 'texture, translucency, color, and craftsmanship' can stand out in the market, while ordinary jadeite faces greater market pressure. Lastly, the acceptance of jadeite among younger generations of collectors is increasing, with a greater emphasis on design and wearability, bringing new vitality and development directions to the jadeite market."
Looking ahead, with the gradual recovery of the global economy and the accumulation of wealth among high-net-worth individuals, the collecting enthusiasm for high-end jewelry, especially top-tier jadeite, is expected to continue to rise. However, the market is not without challenges. Geopolitical uncertainties, fluctuations in global supply chains, and changes in the aesthetic preferences of new-generation collectors will all have a profound impact on the market landscape. Industry insiders generally believe that the future jadeite market will show a polarized trend, with prices for exquisite pieces continuing to climb, while mid-to-low-end products face greater competition and price pressure. For collectors, prudent selection and focusing on high-quality pieces remain key to investing in jadeite.