【Beijing, May 28, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Brilliant Verdure – Jadeite Jewelry Specialist Sale' particularly standing out. The total transaction value reached RMB 320 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 92.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. The success of this auction not only demonstrates the strong resilience of the high-end jadeite jewelry market but also injects a much-needed boost of confidence into the long-sluggish art market.
Featured Lots: High-Quality Jadeite Achieves New Heights
During this spring auction, several high-quality jadeite jewelry lots were highly sought after. Among them, a rare 'Imperial Green Glass-Type Jadeite Bead Necklace,' comprising 58 imperial green glass-type jadeite beads ranging from 12mm to 15mm in diameter, with rich and even color and fine, translucent texture, was finally hammered at an astonishing price of RMB 88 million, representing a 35.4% premium over its upper estimate (RMB 65 million), becoming the 'star lot' of the sale. Another 'Ice-Type Vibrant Green Jadeite Cabochon Ring,' with a main stone weighing 20 carats, featuring bright color and excellent translucency, fetched RMB 28 million after multiple rounds of intense bidding, an increase of 55.6% over its estimate (RMB 18 million). Furthermore, numerous high-ice type and glass-type jadeite bangles, earrings, and pendants were sold at prices 20% to 40% above their estimates, indicating strong market demand for top-tier jadeite.
Market Analysis: Robust Demand for High-End Collectibles, Investment Value Highlighted
The outstanding performance of the jadeite jewelry specialist sale at this China Guardian spring auction reflects the continuous pursuit of scarce, high-quality resources in the current art market, especially in the high-end collectibles sector. Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, high-quality jadeite jewelry, due to its rarity, non-renewability, and unique cultural value, is considered a stable asset allocation and a preferred choice for value preservation and appreciation. The transaction data from this auction, particularly the high premium sales, fully demonstrates the market's recognition of the investment value of top-tier jadeite."
Statistically, the average transaction price per lot in this jadeite jewelry specialist sale reached RMB 4.2 million, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Among them, lots with an estimate of over RMB 10 million achieved a sell-through rate as high as 95%, with an average premium rate of over 30%. This indicates that while the mid-to-low-end jadeite market still faces some pressure, the market demand for high-end exquisite jadeite remains robust, showing a trend where the strong get stronger.
Expert Commentary: Quality and Rarity are Core Drivers
Professor Wang, a renowned jade appraisal expert and Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, stated in an interview: "The success of this auction once again confirms that the core drivers of the jadeite jewelry market lie in its 'quality' and 'rarity.' Top-tier jadeite with excellent clarity, color, and craftsmanship, regardless of market fluctuations, consistently maintains its value. Buyers, while pursuing aesthetic enjoyment, are also increasingly focusing on long-term investment returns. In the future, with the continuous growth of the global affluent class and deepening appreciation for traditional cultural and artistic items, the market potential for high-end jadeite jewelry remains immense."
Outlook: Market Confidence Boosted, Future Promising
Ms. Zhang Hua, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jewelry & Watches Department, commented: "We are very pleased with the results of this spring auction. The success of the jadeite jewelry specialist sale not only brought us considerable transaction volume but, more importantly, it significantly boosted confidence across the entire art market. We believe that with the gradual economic recovery and strengthening market confidence, high-end art, especially jadeite jewelry with profound cultural heritage and scarcity, will continue to maintain its unique market appeal and investment value."
The jadeite jewelry specialist sale at China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction undoubtedly paints a positive picture for the market. Under the principles of quality reigns supreme and rarity is revered, high-end jadeite jewelry is expected to continue leading the art investment market.