【Hong Kong, May 20, 2026】Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sale 2026, which concluded earlier this month, achieved an impressive total of over HK$1.2 billion (approximately US$154 million), once again demonstrating the robust vitality of the Asian art market. The highly anticipated “Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace” was hammered down for an astonishing HK$350 million (approximately US$45 million), becoming the highlight of the auction and setting a new record for jadeite necklaces in the past five years. The hammer price represented a premium of 55% over its pre-sale estimate of HK$220 million. The overall sell-through rate for this spring sale reached 88%, with the Jewels and Watches category achieving an even higher 92% sell-through rate, indicating strong demand from collectors for high-end treasures.

The star lot of the auction, the “Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace,” comprises 29 exquisite imperial green jadeite beads, each exceeding 15mm in diameter. The beads are characterized by their rich, uniform color and fine, lustrous texture, making it an exceptionally rare treasure in the market. Its high price not only reflects the unique allure of jadeite as the 'King of Oriental Jewels' but also highlights top collectors' pursuit of rarity and heritage value. According to Ms. Yvonne Shiu, Head of Sotheby's Asia Jewelry Department, the bidding for this jadeite bead necklace was exceptionally fierce, with three private collectors from Asia engaging in a ten-minute bidding war. Ultimately, an anonymous buyer successfully secured the piece via telephone bid.

In addition to the jadeite necklace, other high-quality colored gemstones and diamonds also performed well. A 10.88-carat 'Pigeon's Blood' Burmese ruby ring sold for HK$85 million, exceeding its high estimate by 20%; while a 5.01-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond ring fetched HK$120 million, in line with market expectations. These figures collectively illustrate the steady growth trend in the high-end jewelry market.

Market Analysis and Trend Outlook:

Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, noted: “The success of Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026, particularly the outstanding performance of jadeite lots, further solidifies Asia's leading position in the global jewelry auction market. We observe that amidst increasing macroeconomic uncertainties, top-tier artworks and jewelry, as hard assets, are increasingly demonstrating their value preservation and appreciation attributes, attracting significant attention from high-net-worth individuals. Especially categories like imperial green jadeite, which are scarce in resources and rich in cultural heritage, still possess immense potential for price appreciation.”

Based on this auction, several trends are worth noting:

  • Rarity and Quality Paramount: Collectors exhibit extremely high enthusiasm and purchasing power for exceptionally rare and high-quality jewelry, willing to pay substantial premiums.

  • Asian Collectors Dominate: The purchasing power of Asian buyers in the high-end jewelry market remains strong, with collectors from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia being the primary drivers of market growth.

  • Resilience of the Jadeite Market: Despite occasional fluctuations in the jadeite market in recent years, the value of top-tier imperial green jadeite has remained robust and shown a steady upward trend, with its investment and collection value widely recognized.

  • Brand Effect Enhancement: The professional appraisal, promotion, and reputation of internationally renowned auction houses provide strong guarantees for high-end jewelry transactions, further pushing up prices.


Expert Commentary:

Professor Chen Zhigang, Dean of the Hong Kong Institute of Gemology and Jade, stated: “The selling price of this imperial green jadeite bead necklace once again redefines our understanding of the value of top-tier jadeite. This is not only an acknowledgment of its material rarity but also an affirmation of the Oriental aesthetics and cultural heritage behind it. In the coming years, with the continuous accumulation of global wealth and the strengthening of Asian cultural confidence, the collecting fervor for high-quality jadeite will only increase. However, for ordinary investors, the entry barrier is relatively high. It is advisable to choose cautiously, focusing on the jadeite's 'zhong' (translucency), color, craftsmanship, and origin, and seeking appraisal and evaluation from professional institutions.”

Looking ahead, Sotheby's and other international auction houses will continue to deepen their presence in the Asian market, introducing more exclusive treasures to meet the growing demand for collections. The high-end jewelry market, especially top-tier jadeite, is expected to maintain its dual appeal as a safe-haven asset and a cultural investment in the coming years, attracting global attention.