【Beijing, November 15, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with a total transaction volume reaching a staggering RMB 2.85 billion, an 18.7% increase from the same period last year, and a robust transaction rate of 82.5%. This demonstrates a strong recovery momentum in the art market, especially in the high-end collectibles sector. Among them, the emerald jewelry special session performed particularly brilliantly, becoming the biggest highlight of this autumn auction.
Emerald Jewelry Special Session: High-Quality Treasures Achieve New Records
This autumn auction's “Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite” special session presented a total of 150 exquisite pieces, ultimately achieving a transaction volume of RMB 420 million, with an impressive transaction rate of 91.3%. Multiple high-quality emerald lots exceeded market expectations. Among them, a top-tier piece named “Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace,” composed of 38 imperial green jadeite beads, each with a diameter of 15 mm, featuring rich and uniform color and delicate, warm texture, finally hammered at an astonishing price of RMB 120 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 80 million, with a premium rate as high as 50%. Another piece, an “Ice-Type Bright Green Jadeite Bangle,” full-bodied in shape and vibrant in color, sold for RMB 38 million, an increase of 26.7% from its estimate. In addition, a “Old Pit Glassy-Type Full Green Jadeite Set” consisting of a necklace, earrings, and a ring, sold for RMB 65 million, indicating collectors' preference for complete sets.
Market Analysis: Strong Demand for High-End Jadeite, Investment Attributes Highlighted
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The outstanding performance of emerald jewelry at this Guardian autumn auction once again confirms the scarcity and value-preserving and appreciating attributes of high-end jadeite in the market. Against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, capital tends to flow into art pieces with hard currency attributes, and top-tier jadeite is undoubtedly among the best. Especially rare varieties such as imperial green and old pit glassy-type, their supply is decreasing day by day, while market demand remains strong, leading to a steady rise in prices.”
Ms. Wang Li, Head of China Guardian's Jewelry and Watches Department, stated: “We observe that the buyer base is becoming younger and more international, with a more mature aesthetic and value perception of jadeite. In addition to traditional collectors, more and more high-net-worth individuals regard jadeite as an important asset allocation. The success of this autumn auction also benefits from our strict control over the quality of lots and accurate judgment of market trends.”
Future Trends: Personalization and Integration of Cultural Value
Looking ahead, market experts generally believe that the emerald jewelry market will show two major trends. Firstly, personalized and design-driven jadeite ornaments will be more popular. Young collectors, while pursuing the intrinsic value of the material, also pay attention to its artistry and uniqueness. Secondly, jadeite works that integrate traditional Chinese cultural elements and exquisite craftsmanship will be more competitive in the market, and their cultural added value will be key to enhancing collection value. With the continuous development of China's economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, jadeite, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, still has further market potential to be explored. It is expected that in the next two years, the market price of high-end jadeite will maintain an annual growth rate of 5%-10%, while mid-to-low-end jadeite will focus more on design and craftsmanship innovation to attract a wider consumer base.
The success of China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction has undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the art market, especially the brilliant performance in the emerald jewelry sector, heralding the arrival of a vibrant collecting era.