HONG KONG, May 15, 2026 – Christie's Hong Kong successfully concluded its Spring 2026 Auction yesterday, once again solidifying its leading position in the Asian art market with an exceptional array of lots and robust sales performance. The total sales for this spring auction reached an impressive US$215 million (approximately HK$1.677 billion), surpassing the pre-sale high estimate. The sell-through rate was 86% by lot and 92% by value, fully demonstrating global collectors' sustained enthusiasm for top-tier artworks, especially rare Burmese jadeite.

Burmese Jadeite: Market Focus and New Price Records

The highlight of this spring auction was undoubtedly several rare Burmese natural jadeite lots. Among them, a Burmese natural jadeite bead necklace named “Imperial Green” fetched an astonishing US$38.5 million (approximately HK$300 million), far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of US$25 million, representing a surge of 54%. This necklace, composed of 38 plump jadeite beads ranging from 13.5 mm to 15.2 mm in diameter, boasts rich and uniform color, and a fine, warm texture. Its selling price not only set a new auction record for jadeite bead necklaces in the past five years but also became the highest-priced lot of this spring auction.

Another highly anticipated lot was the “Congealed Green” Burmese natural jadeite bangle, which ultimately sold for US$18.2 million (approximately HK$142 million), a 51.7% increase from its US$12 million estimate. In addition, several smaller exquisite jadeite items, such as cabochon rings and earrings, also performed well, with selling prices generally 20% to 40% higher than their estimates, indicating broad market recognition and pursuit of high-quality jadeite.

Market Analysis: Scarcity and Investment Value of High-End Jadeite

Ms. Shirley Hui, Chairman of Christie's Asia and Co-Head of the International Jewelry Department, stated after the auction: "The strong performance of Burmese jadeite in this spring auction once again confirms its unique status as a scarce resource and an excellent investment. In the context of increasing global economic uncertainty, top-tier jadeite, with its non-renewable nature, stable store of value, and profound cultural heritage, has become a preferred asset allocation for high-net-worth individuals. Especially natural jadeite reaching the 'Imperial Green' level, its market supply is extremely limited, while demand remains consistently strong, leading to continuous price increases."

Mr. Li Ming, a senior jadeite market analyst, pointed out: "In recent years, with global wealth growth and the rise of Asian collecting power, the market demand for high-end jadeite has continued to climb. Particularly Burmese old-mine glass-type jadeite, its unique warm luster, fine texture, and rich color make it stand out among many gemstones. In this auction, high-premium jadeite lots generally possess the following characteristics: first, pure and rich color, reaching 'Imperial Green' or 'Spinach Green' levels; second, fine and transparent texture, reaching 'glass type' or 'ice type' levels; third, exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. These factors collectively boosted their market value."

Trend Judgment and Future Outlook

Based on the sales data from this spring auction, the high-end jadeite market exhibits several trends:

  • Scarcity premium continues to rise: The supply of top-tier Burmese jadeite is increasingly depleted, leading to a continuous increase in its scarcity premium. This trend will be even more pronounced in the future.

  • Asian buyers dominate the market: Collectors from Asia, especially those from Greater China, remain the main driving force in the high-end jadeite market. Their cultural identification with jadeite and investment enthusiasm are the cornerstones of market stability.

  • Enhanced investment attributes: In the context of global inflationary pressures and increased financial market volatility, jadeite's investment attribute as a physical asset has become more prominent, serving as an effective tool for hedging risks.


Looking ahead, industry experts generally believe that under the dual influence of limited supply and strong demand, the price of high-quality Burmese jadeite will continue to maintain a steady upward trend. When selecting jadeite, collectors should pay more attention to its comprehensive quality in terms of 'zhong' (transparency), 'shui' (luster), 'se' (color), and 'gong' (craftsmanship), and also consider its origin and historical provenance to ensure its investment value and collection potential. The success of Christie's spring auction has undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the global art market and set a new benchmark for the high-end jadeite market.