【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Spring Auction 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total sales value of HKD 2.85 billion, significantly exceeding pre-sale estimates. The Jewels and Jadeite specialist sale, in particular, performed exceptionally well, with a total sales value of HKD 920 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 91.5%. Notably, several rare jadeite cabochons, with their outstanding quality and scarcity, once again affirmed the robust vitality of the high-end jadeite market.
The undisputed highlight of this auction was a necklace composed of three Imperial Green jadeite cabochons. These cabochons boasted rich and uniform color, delicate and warm texture, and exceptional translucency, hailed as a rare treasure in the market over the past decade. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered down for an astonishing HKD 180 million, far surpassing its estimate of HKD 80 million to HKD 120 million, achieving a premium rate of 50%. Another large, glass-like, vibrant green jadeite cabochon, weighing 15 carats, sold for HKD 65 million, a 62.5% increase from its HKD 40 million estimate. Additionally, numerous ice-type and glutinous-ice-type jadeite cabochons also performed well, with average selling prices increasing by approximately 15% to 20% compared to the same period last year.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out that the results of this Christie's Spring Sale once again verified the market resilience and investment value of high-end jadeite, especially top-tier jadeite cabochons. He stated, “Amidst the current global economic uncertainties, rare and high-quality jadeite, as a hard currency and a preferred option for value preservation and appreciation, its safe-haven attributes are becoming increasingly prominent. Collectors' pursuit of exquisite jadeite with excellent 'color, type, transparency, and craftsmanship' remains undiminished, and even growing.”
From the data, the selling prices of jadeite cabochons in this auction generally exceeded market expectations, especially for rare varieties such as Imperial Green and glass-type, which showed significant premium rates. This indicates a continuous increase in market recognition and demand for top-tier jadeite. In the coming years, with the increasing depletion of high-quality mineral sources and the growing interest of the global affluent class in Oriental aesthetics and rare gemstones, the price of high-end jadeite is expected to maintain a steady upward trend.
Expert Commentary and Market Insights:
Ms. Anna Stone, Chairman of Christie's Asia Jewellery Department, stated in an interview, “We are very pleased with the results of this Spring Sale, especially the performance of the jadeite cabochon section, which exceeded our expectations. This reflects the strong demand and high recognition of top-tier jadeite among global collectors. These precious gemstones are not only symbols of wealth but also expressions of artistic taste.”
Ms. Wang Fang, an independent jewelry appraiser, also emphasized, “Jadeite cabochons are extremely demanding on raw materials, usually requiring the most essential parts to be cut from large rough stones, making every top-tier cabochon exceptionally precious. Their simple shape better highlights the texture and color of the jadeite itself, which is a significant reason for their popularity among collectors.”
The success of this auction undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the global art market in the first half of 2026 and further solidified Hong Kong's position as a leading jewelry auction center in Asia and globally. The investment prospects of high-end jadeite, especially rare cabochons, continue to be widely optimistic in the industry.