【Beijing, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The 'Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite' sale performed exceptionally well, achieving a total turnover of RMB 320 million and an impressive sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. These auction results not only reflect the strong resilience of the high-end jadeite jewelry market but also signal a significant rebound in overall collector confidence.
The focus of this spring auction was undoubtedly on several rare jadeite pieces. Among them, a natural jadeite cabochon ring named 'Imperial Green' sold for an astonishing RMB 88 million, setting a new record for similar items in the past two years, an increase of 35% compared to its lowest estimate. The main stone of this ring weighs 15 carats, boasting rich and even color, fine and warm texture, and exceptional translucency, hailed by many experts as a 'once-in-a-century masterpiece.' Another highly anticipated lot was an 'Ice-Type Emerald Green Bangle,' which fetched RMB 45 million, with a premium rate of 25%. Its perfect condition and rarity made it a coveted item among collectors.
Beyond jadeite, other rare colored gemstones also performed well. A 10.08-carat 'Pigeon's Blood' ruby ring sold for RMB 32 million, and a 5.22-carat 'Cornflower Blue' sapphire necklace sold for RMB 18 million, both exceeding their upper estimate ranges. This indicates that top-tier colored gemstones continue to hold stable collector bases and investment value globally.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
Mr. Li Ming, Head of China Guardian's Jewelry Department, stated in an interview: "The success of this spring auction, particularly the outstanding performance of the jadeite jewelry segment, sends several key signals. Firstly, the value of high-end rare jadeite remains strong, even showing potential for counter-cyclical growth amidst economic fluctuations. Collectors' enthusiasm for exceptional jadeite with superior 'texture, translucency, color, and craftsmanship' remains undiminished, and they are willing to pay high prices. Secondly, the market's pursuit of quality has reached an unprecedented level, with buyers becoming increasingly sophisticated and rational, only paying for masterpieces. Lastly, we observe that a new generation of collectors is gradually growing, possessing a more open perspective on jewelry art and a more international aesthetic, injecting new vitality into the market."
Ms. Zhang Hua, a senior jewelry market analyst, pointed out: "In the first half of 2026, the global economy faced numerous uncertainties, yet the luxury and art markets showed a bifurcated trend. High-end, rare artworks with cultural heritage value, especially unique Oriental treasures like jadeite, increasingly highlight their value preservation and appreciation attributes. The impressive data from China Guardian's spring auction strongly proves this point. It is expected that in the coming years, prices for top-tier jadeite will continue to maintain steady growth, while the mid-to-low-end market may face greater competition and adjustments."
Expert Commentary:
Mr. Wang Qiang, Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, commented: "The jadeite transaction data from this Guardian spring auction is encouraging. It not only reflects the deep emotional connection of Chinese traditional culture to jadeite but also demonstrates Chinese collectors' strategic allocation of scarce resources. The transaction price of the 'Imperial Green' ring will undoubtedly serve as an important benchmark for the jadeite market in the coming period. We see that the market is returning to its intrinsic value, and those jewels that truly possess artistic, historical, and rarity value will continue to be sought after, regardless of the economic environment."
The success of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction undoubtedly injected a strong dose of confidence into the global art market, particularly pointing the way for the jadeite jewelry market. In the future, with the continuous development of the Chinese economy and the strengthening of cultural confidence, the collection and investment value of high-end jadeite jewelry will be further highlighted.