Hong Kong, October 28, 2026 – Sotheby's Autumn 2026 auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' sale standing out, once again affirming the robust position of high-end jadeite treasures in the global collectibles market. The total transaction value for this sale reached an impressive US$125 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%, with a sell-through rate of 88%, demonstrating strong buyer demand for rare, high-quality jadeite.
The sale featured 150 lots, with the highly anticipated highlight – an Imperial Green jadeite bead necklace weighing 120 carats – fetching an astonishing US$38 million, far surpassing its US$25 million estimate, becoming the top lot of the auction. The necklace comprises 28 beads of uniform color and fine texture Imperial Green jadeite, its exquisite quality and rarity making it a true 'collector's grade' masterpiece. Another lot, an icy-translucent vibrant green jadeite cabochon ring weighing approximately 35 carats, also sold for a high price of US$12 million, representing a 71% increase over its US$7 million estimate. Furthermore, a series of high-quality Hetian jade carvings and ornaments performed well, including a Qianlong period white jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' ruyi scepter which sold for US$5.5 million, 37% above its estimate.
Ms. Wenfen Ye, Head of Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, stated in an interview: "The success of the jadeite section in this autumn sale once again proves the unique allure of top-tier jadeite and Hetian jade in the hearts of global collectors. We observe that market demand for jadeite treasures with clear provenance, perfect condition, and exquisite craftsmanship remains strong, especially for those rare pieces that combine both investment value and artistic beauty. The record-breaking sale of the Imperial Green jadeite bead necklace is not only an affirmation of its intrinsic value but also a boost to confidence in the entire high-end jadeite market."
From a market trend perspective, the high-end jadeite market in 2026 has shown a steady upward trajectory. Driven by global economic recovery and wealth growth in the Asian region, top-tier jadeite, as a hard asset for value preservation and appreciation, has increasingly highlighted its investment attributes. Particularly, scarce resources such as Imperial Green jadeite and 'Mutton Fat' white jade, due to their non-renewable nature and unique cultural heritage, have long been a focus for collectors. The premium prices achieved for high-quality lots in this auction further confirm the market's pursuit of scarce resources.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out: "The current jadeite market exhibits a polarized trend. On one hand, transactions for ordinary quality jadeite are relatively stable, or even showing some correction; on the other hand, top-tier, rare, and historically and culturally valuable jadeite treasures continue to strengthen, with prices repeatedly setting new highs. This indicates that collectors and investors are more rational in their selection of jadeite, preferring to invest in exquisite pieces with clear value support and future appreciation potential. It is expected that this trend will continue to deepen in the coming years, with the high-end jadeite market remaining active, while the mid-to-low-end market may face greater challenges."
Looking ahead, with the continuous enhancement of traditional Chinese culture's global influence and the influx of new collector groups, the jadeite collecting market will remain vibrant. The success of Sotheby's autumn sale undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the 2027 jadeite market, signaling that high-end jadeite treasures will continue to lead the collecting craze.