【Hong Kong, November 15, 2026】Sotheby's Autumn Sale 2026 concluded yesterday, once again demonstrating the robust vitality of the rare jewelry market in Asia with impressive results. The total sales reached an astounding $285 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%. The sell-through rate was 88% by lot and 93% by value, indicating strong demand for top-tier jewelry in the market.
The undisputed highlight of this auction was the highly anticipated “Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace.” Composed of 38 exquisite Imperial Green jadeite beads, ranging from 12.5mm to 15mm in diameter, renowned for their rich, even color and fine, translucent texture, it ultimately fetched an astonishing $98 million. This far surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $50 million, setting a new auction record for jadeite bead necklaces in the past five years. This selling price also represents an approximate 25% increase compared to the average price of similar-grade jadeite bead necklaces in 2023, underscoring the scarcity and potential for value appreciation of top-quality jadeite.
Beyond the Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace, several other rare gemstones and historically significant pieces also performed exceptionally well. A 15-carat cushion-cut Burmese ruby ring sold for $22 million, reaching 1.8 times its high estimate. A 1930s Art Deco diamond necklace designed by Cartier was acquired by an Asian private collector for $15 million, highly sought after for its historical value and exquisite craftsmanship.
Mr. Wen Hao, Head of Jewelry, Sotheby's Asia, stated in an interview, “The success of this autumn sale, particularly the record-breaking sale of the Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace, once again confirms the discerning taste and passion for collecting top-tier rare jewelry among Asian collectors. We observe that market demand is particularly strong for items with clear provenance, exceptional quality, and unique historical or cultural value. In the current environment of increased global economic uncertainty, high-quality jewelry assets are viewed as a safe investment with long-term appreciation potential.”
Market analyst Li Ming commented, “The data from Sotheby's Autumn Sale 2026 indicates that the high-end jewelry market, especially in Asia, is on an upward trajectory. Imperial Green jadeite, as a treasure in traditional Chinese culture, has always been highly recognized for its value. The high price achieved by this jadeite necklace is not only a testament to its intrinsic quality but also reflects the global affluent class's pursuit of scarcity, artistry, and cultural symbolic value. We anticipate that in the coming years, auction prices for top-tier jadeite, colored diamonds, and historical timepieces will continue to see steady growth, particularly in the Asian region, where the rise of the new affluent class will continue to drive this trend.”
The success of this auction undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the global jewelry market and set an optimistic tone for the upcoming Spring Sale in 2027. Collectors and investors will continue to closely monitor this vibrant market.