【Hong Kong, October 28, 2026】The highly anticipated Sotheby's Autumn 2026 auction concluded yesterday with a spectacular total sales figure of US$1.25 billion, significantly exceeding the pre-sale estimate of US$980 million. The sell-through rate reached an impressive 88%, once again demonstrating the robust vitality of the global art and rare jewelry market. Among the highlights, an Imperial Jadeite necklace named 'Emerald Dewdrop' fetched an astonishing US$150 million, setting a new world auction record for jadeite jewelry and becoming the star lot of the sale.
This auction featured over 2,000 lots, spanning categories such as Chinese paintings and calligraphy, Asian art, Western Old Masters, contemporary art, and precious jewels. The jewelry section performed particularly well, achieving a total sales figure of US$380 million, representing a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Imperial Jadeite, a scarce resource in the market, saw its value fully realized in this auction. The 'Emerald Dewdrop' necklace, composed of 28 imperial green jadeite beads of uniform color, fine texture, and excellent translucency, weighed approximately 580 carats in total. Its extreme rarity and exquisite craftsmanship made it a coveted treasure among collectors. After a fierce 15-minute bidding war, an anonymous Asian collector successfully acquired it via telephone bid, with the final price exceeding its low estimate of US$80 million by 87.5%.
Mr. Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, stated at the press conference: "The sale price of 'Emerald Dewdrop' is not only a milestone for the jadeite market but also reflects the continued strong demand from top global collectors for rare and high-quality jewelry. In the context of current global economic uncertainties, the role of top-tier art and jewelry as hard assets and stores of value is becoming increasingly prominent."
Market analysts point out that the success of this Sotheby's autumn sale, particularly the robust performance of the high-end jewelry market, indicates that the global wealthy class's demand for scarce assets remains strong. Despite the slowdown in global economic growth, the wealth accumulation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals has not stalled, and they are turning their attention to top-tier art and collectibles with potential for capital preservation and appreciation. Imperial Jadeite, due to its non-renewable nature, unique cultural connotations, and Eastern aesthetic appeal, enjoys a broad collecting base globally, especially in the Asian market, where its status is unshakeable. In the coming years, with the gradual recovery of the global economy and the continued growth of Asian wealth, prices for top-tier jewelry such as Imperial Jadeite are expected to maintain a steady upward trend, though the rate of increase may become more rational.
Dr. Li Ming, a senior jewelry appraiser and market analyst, commented: "While the sale price of 'Emerald Dewdrop' is astonishing, its quality truly represents the pinnacle of Imperial Jadeite. This is not only the value of the material itself but also a reflection of the cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship it embodies. For ordinary investors, blindly pursuing high-priced jadeite carries certain risks, but for collectors with professional knowledge and substantial resources, top-tier jadeite remains a high-quality asset worth holding long-term. The market will increasingly favor rare treasures with clear provenance, well-documented history, and perfect condition."
The success of this Sotheby's autumn sale undoubtedly injects a strong boost of confidence into the upcoming Spring 2027 auctions and paints a picture of optimism for the global art and jewelry market.