Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report for Icy Jadeite

I. Market Overview and Price Data

In Q2 2024, the market for icy jadeite generally showed a stable yet upward trend. Influenced by global economic recovery expectations, sustained consumer enthusiasm for high-end jewelry investment, and ongoing tight supply of Burmese raw jadeite, the market value of icy jadeite has been further consolidated. This quarter, the average price of icy jadeite increased by approximately 3-5% compared to the previous quarter, with more significant gains observed in high-quality cabochons and bangles.

Price Range and Trading Volume:

* Ordinary Icy Jadeite (colorless/light colored, slight cotton, minor flaws): 1,500 - 8,000 CNY/carat (cabochons), 30,000 - 150,000 CNY/piece (bangles). Trading volume increased by approximately 8% quarter-on-quarter.
* Medium Icy Jadeite (with luminescence, less cotton, no cracks): 8,000 - 30,000 CNY/carat (cabochons), 150,000 - 500,000 CNY/piece (bangles). Trading volume increased by approximately 5% quarter-on-quarter.
* High Icy Jadeite (strong luminescence, almost no cotton, flawless): 30,000 - 100,000+ CNY/carat (cabochons), 500,000 - 2,000,000+ CNY/piece (bangles). Trading volume increased by approximately 3% quarter-on-quarter.

Price Changes:

* Overall Average Price: Up 3.8% quarter-on-quarter.
* High Icy Jadeite Cabochons: Up 6.2% quarter-on-quarter.
* Medium Icy Jadeite Bangles: Up 4.5% quarter-on-quarter.
* Ordinary Icy Jadeite Pendants: Up 2.1% quarter-on-quarter.

Trading Volume:

The total trading volume for icy jadeite this quarter was approximately 250 million CNY, an increase of about 6.5% from the previous quarter. The proportion of transactions through online live streaming and auction platforms continued to rise, demonstrating the strong vitality of digital sales channels.

II. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Scarcity-Driven Price Increase: Restricted mining of Burmese jadeite rough and the increasing scarcity of high-quality icy material are core factors supporting its continuous price increase. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the scarcity premium for high-quality icy jadeite becoming more pronounced.

  • Consumption Upgrade and Aesthetic Enhancement: With rising consumer income levels and maturing aesthetic concepts, the demand for jadeite quality is also increasing. Icy jadeite, with its warm, translucent, and crystal-clear characteristics, is highly favored by mid-to-high-end consumer groups, leading to robust market demand.

  • Enhanced Investment Attributes: Against the backdrop of increased global economic uncertainty, high-quality jadeite, as a tangible asset with potential for value preservation and appreciation, is increasingly highlighting its investment attributes. More investors are considering it a crucial component of their asset allocation.

  • Youthfulness and Design Innovation: The market is beginning to focus on younger consumer groups, with an increasing number of light luxury products combining icy jadeite with fashionable designs, such as镶嵌类首饰 (inlaid jewelry) and small, exquisite pendants, broadening the market audience. Design innovation is expected to be a significant growth driver in the future.

  • Integration of Online and Offline: The rise of new sales models such as online live streaming and short video platforms has greatly improved the circulation efficiency and market transparency of jadeite. The integration of online and offline sales models is expected to become more mature in the future, providing consumers with more diversified purchasing channels.


III. Price Comparison by Quality Grade

| Quality Grade | Description of Characteristics | Cabochon Price Range (CNY/carat) | Bangle Price Range (CNY/piece) |
| :------------ | :----------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :---------------------------- |
| Ordinary Icy | Finer texture, some cotton or minor flaws, average transparency | 1,500 - 8,000 | 30,000 - 150,000 |
| Medium Icy | Fine texture, with luminescence, few cotton spots, no cracks, good transparency | 8,000 - 30,000 | 150,000 - 500,000 |
| High Icy | Extremely fine texture, strong luminescence, almost no cotton, flawless, excellent transparency | 30,000 - 100,000+ | 500,000 - 2,000,000+ |

IV. Investment Recommendations

  • Prioritize High Quality: The investment value of icy jadeite primarily lies in its scarcity and quality. Investors are advised to prioritize high-quality icy jadeite that is flawless, has excellent transparency, and good color. Such products have greater appreciation potential and strong resistance to price drops in the future.

  • Focus on Unique Features: Besides regular colorless icy jadeite, icy jadeite with colors such as imperial green, clear water, or blue water, if the color is evenly distributed and rich, will have higher value and greater collection potential.

  • Emphasize Certificates and Origin: When purchasing, always request authoritative appraisal certificates, such as those from the National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), to ensure its natural A-grade status. Understanding the origin of the jadeite and the merchant's reputation is also crucial.

  • Long-Term Holding Strategy: Jadeite investment is a long-term investment, and short-term price fluctuations can be significant. Investors are advised to adopt a long-term holding strategy and patiently await the gradual realization of its value.

  • Beware of Counterfeits and Enhancements: The market contains B-grade, C-grade, and jadeite that has undergone optimization treatments such as acid washing, resin filling, or dyeing. Exercise caution when purchasing to avoid being deceived.

  • Diversified Allocation: For investors with ample capital, consider including icy jadeite as part of an asset allocation strategy, combining it with other investment products to diversify risk.


Conclusion:

In Q2 2024, the icy jadeite market performed strongly, with prices steadily rising and active trading. Driven by scarcity, consumption upgrades, and investment demand, the icy jadeite market is expected to maintain its growth trajectory in the future. Investors should seize market opportunities, choose carefully, and aim for long-term stable returns.