April 2026 Gemstone Market Watch: High-End Pieces Lead the Charge as Industry Enters Structural Adjustment Phase

April 2026 Gemstone Market Watch: High-End Pieces Lead the Charge as Industry Enters Structural Adjustment Phase

【Shanghai, May 10, 2026】 In April 2026, China's gemstone market exhibited a significant structural divergence. Data indicates that prices for high-end jadeite and Hetian jade continued to strengthen, maintaining high transaction volumes. In contrast, the mid-to-low-end market remained stable, with some categories even facing pressure. Industry experts point out that driven by both consumption upgrades and resource scarcity, the gemstone industry is rapidly entering a structural adjustment phase centered on quality and cultural value.

According to preliminary statistics from market monitoring agencies, in April, the average price of top-grade icy and glass-like jadeite increased by approximately 3%-5% month-on-month, with some rare colored materials seeing surges of over 10%. Similarly, premium varieties of Xinjiang Hetian jade seed material, such as suet jade and high-white jade, maintained a steady upward trend in market prices, with monthly increases between 2%-4%. In contrast, prices for ordinary mountain jade, broader Hetian jade, and some mid-to-low-end jadeite jewelry showed little fluctuation, even experiencing slight pullbacks in certain regions.

“This divergent trend is not accidental; it reflects market maturity,” stated Li Ming (pseudonym), a senior analyst at the China Jewelry and Jade Industry Association, in an interview with our reporter. “As consumers' aesthetic appreciation improves and investment philosophies shift, their pursuit of jade's cultural connotations, rarity, and craftsmanship value is growing stronger. This makes truly collectible and inheritable high-quality jade the focus of market demand.”

From a supply and demand perspective, the increasing scarcity of high-end jade resources is the fundamental reason supporting their price increase. Tighter mining policies for Burmese jadeite rough and the annual decline in Xinjiang Hetian jade seed material production have directly led to a shortage of high-quality raw materials. Simultaneously, the demand from China's affluent class for high-end art and collectibles continues to grow, undoubtedly further boosting the market value of premium jade.

Market data shows that China's high-end jade and jewelry consumption market exceeded 200 billion RMB in 2025, with an expected growth rate of 10%-15% in 2026. Among these, jade categories with strong investment and collection attributes account for a significant proportion. Analysts predict that the high-end jade market size is expected to reach 350 billion RMB within the next five years.

Beyond traditional high-end jade, some emerging jade varieties with unique cultural backgrounds and craftsmanship value are also gaining attention, such as high-quality Nanhong agate and Dushan jade. Although their current market scale is still small, their prices show a steady upward trend, indicating the potential for market diversification.

However, for the mid-to-low-end market, competition is fiercer. Under the impact of e-commerce platforms and live streaming sales, products with low transparency and high homogeneity face greater sales pressure. Some merchants have even adopted price reduction promotions to clear inventory, further squeezing profit margins.

“The mid-to-low-end market needs to seek differentiation and brand development,” Li Ming analyzed. “For instance, by enhancing product added value through design innovation, cultural empowerment, and optimizing service experience, they can stand out in fierce competition.”

Looking ahead, the gemstone industry will continue to advance amidst the wave of consumption upgrades. The high-end market will maintain its investment and collection value, becoming an important channel for wealth preservation and appreciation. The mid-to-low-end market, however, faces the challenge of transformation and upgrading, with brand building, cultural creativity, and technological application becoming key to breaking through. The entire industry will also pay more attention to sustainable development, strengthening the protection and rational utilization of jade resources, and promoting the inheritance and innovation of jade culture.