【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, with the Jewels and Jadeite section performing exceptionally well, achieving a staggering total of HKD 125 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%. Among them, the highly anticipated highlight lot – a natural Burmese 'Imperial Green' jadeite cabochon – was hammered down at HKD 38 million, with a final price including buyer's premium reaching HKD 45.6 million, an impressive 82.4% increase from its lowest estimate of HKD 25 million. This became the highest-priced lot of the sale, once again affirming the strong purchasing power in the high-end jadeite market.
A total of 150 exquisite jewelry and jadeite lots were presented in this sale, achieving an 88% sell-through rate by lot and an impressive 92% by value. In addition to the Imperial Green jadeite cabochon, another icy-translucent vibrant green jadeite cabochon weighing 20.5 carats also sold for HKD 18 million, an 80% increase from its lowest estimate of HKD 10 million. Numerous high-quality jadeite bangles, necklaces, and carvings also fetched prices well above their estimates, demonstrating the market's continued pursuit of rare and high-quality jadeite.
Ms. Shirley Kwok, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated in a post-sale interview: “The results of this spring sale are exhilarating, especially the performance of the high-end jadeite sector, which once again exceeded our expectations. The high price achieved by this Imperial Green jadeite cabochon not only reflects its exceptional quality and rarity but also the confidence and enthusiasm of global collectors for top-tier jadeite. We observe that both local Asian collectors and international buyers show great interest in jadeite artworks with investment value and collection potential.”
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out: “The current global economic environment is complex, but the high-end art market, especially scarce resources like top-tier jadeite, is increasingly highlighting its value preservation and appreciation attributes. The data from this Christie's spring sale indicates that even amidst macroeconomic challenges, prices for top-tier jadeite remain robust, even rising against the trend. This is primarily due to its non-renewable nature, unique cultural value, and the increasingly scarce supply of high-quality rough stones. In the coming years, we expect this trend to continue, with high-quality, clearly sourced, and exquisitely crafted jadeite lots remaining the focus of market pursuit.”
In terms of buyer demographics, this sale attracted numerous bidders from Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Europe/America. Asian buyers remained the main force, contributing approximately 70% of the total sales. The younger generation of collectors is also showing growing interest in jadeite, tending to choose modern jadeite jewelry with unique designs and strong wearability.
Looking ahead, with the continuous accumulation of global wealth and a deeper understanding of Eastern culture, jadeite, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, will further expand its international influence. Auction houses, when selecting lots, will pay more attention to their historical heritage, cultural connotations, and artistic value. At the same time, the application of technology in authentication and traceability will bring greater transparency and trust to the jadeite market, further promoting its healthy development. The success of this Christie's spring sale undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the high-end jadeite market in 2026 and beyond.