Q2 2024 Liangshan Nanhong Agate Market Analysis Report

I. Market Overview

In the second quarter of 2024, the Liangshan Nanhong agate market generally showed a steady upward trend. Influenced by the recovery of the macro economy and the continuous enthusiasm for collection and investment, the value recognition of high-quality Liangshan Nanhong has further increased. Although the overall transaction volume in the market slightly fluctuated compared to the first quarter, the trading activity of high-end exquisite Nanhong remained strong, and prices held firm.

II. Price Data Analysis

This quarter's Liangshan Nanhong price range and transaction volume are as follows:

* Ordinary Grade Nanhong (Rough/Bead Strings): Price range is 50-300 CNY/gram, with an average price of approximately 180 CNY/gram. Compared to the previous quarter, prices remained largely stable, with a change of about +1.5%. Transaction volume accounted for approximately 60%.
* Medium Quality Nanhong (Rough/Bead Strings/Carvings): Price range is 300-1500 CNY/gram, with an average price of approximately 800 CNY/gram. Compared to the previous quarter, prices saw a slight increase, with a change of about +3.0%. Transaction volume accounted for approximately 30%.
* Premium Grade Nanhong (Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, Brocade Red, high-ice material, flawless): Price range is 1500-8000 CNY/gram, with some exceptional pieces exceeding 10,000 CNY/gram. The average price is approximately 4500 CNY/gram. Compared to the previous quarter, prices increased by about +5.0%, with more significant increases for high-end premium pieces. Transaction volume accounted for approximately 10%.

Overall Transaction Volume: The total transaction volume in the Liangshan Nanhong market this quarter was approximately 15 million grams, a decrease of about 5% quarter-on-quarter, but an increase of about 8% year-on-year. This indicates that the demand for Nanhong remains strong, but the transaction structure is more skewed towards the mid-to-high end.

III. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Clear Trend towards Premiumization: Market aesthetic and collection standards for Nanhong are increasingly high, with sustained strong demand for premium Nanhong that is pure in color, delicate in texture, and flawless. In the future, prices for premium Nanhong will continue to rise, potentially widening the price gap with ordinary grade Nanhong.

  • Origin Advantage Highlighted: As a major producing area of Nanhong, Liangshan Nanhong's origin advantage will be further consolidated. Increased consumer demand for origin certificates and traceability information will help enhance the brand value and market trust of Liangshan Nanhong.

  • Enhanced Investment Attributes: As traditional investment products like gold and stocks experience increased volatility, Nanhong, as a scarce and culturally valuable gemstone, is increasingly highlighting its investment attributes. In the long run, high-quality Nanhong has significant potential for value preservation and appreciation.

  • Increased Artistic Value of Carvings: Excellent Nanhong carvings not only reflect the value of Nanhong itself but also incorporate the creativity and skill of artists. In the future, Nanhong carvings that combine material and artistic value will be more favored by the market.

  • Integration of Online and Offline: Online live streaming, short videos, and other new media channels will continue to be important platforms for Nanhong sales and promotion, but offline physical stores and exhibitions will remain indispensable for displaying and trading high-end exquisite pieces. The integration of online and offline will be an important direction for future market development.


IV. Price Comparison of Different Quality Grades

| Quality Grade | Color Characteristics | Texture Characteristics | Price Range (CNY/gram) | Change (QoQ) |
| :------------ | :-------------------- | :---------------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- |
| Ordinary | Light/uneven red, or with impurities | General texture, many cracks/cotton | 50-300 | +1.5% |
| Medium | Persimmon/Cherry red, relatively even color | Fine and moist texture, few cracks/cotton | 300-1500 | +3.0% |
| Premium | Persimmon/Cherry/Brocade red, rich and even color | Fine and oily texture, flawless, high-ice material | 1500-8000+ | +5.0% |

V. Investment Recommendations

  • Prioritize Premium Pieces: For investors and collectors, it is advisable to prioritize premium grade Liangshan Nanhong with pure color, delicate texture, and no flaws, especially rare colors like persimmon red, cherry red, and brocade red. Premium Nanhong has stronger resistance to depreciation and greater appreciation potential.

  • Focus on Carved Artworks: Nanhong carvings with exquisite craftsmanship and unique creativity will add extra premium value due to their artistic merit. When choosing, both material and craftsmanship should be considered.

  • Pay Attention to Origin and Certificates: When purchasing, it is essential to confirm the origin of Liangshan Nanhong and request an appraisal certificate issued by an authoritative institution to ensure its authenticity and quality.

  • Long-Term Holding Strategy: The value growth of Nanhong is a long-term process; a long-term holding strategy is recommended to avoid short-term speculation. As resources become increasingly scarce, its rarity will be further highlighted.

  • Beware of Market Risks: There are still phenomena in the market such as passing off inferior goods as superior, and dyeing for enhancement. Investors need to be vigilant and choose reputable merchants for transactions.


Conclusion: The Liangshan Nanhong market showed stable performance in the second quarter of 2024, with an increasingly clear trend towards premiumization. In the future, as consumer awareness of Nanhong's value increases and its scarcity becomes more prominent, the investment and collection value of high-quality Liangshan Nanhong will continue to grow.