[2026 Spring Auction] The most expensive jadeite necklace in nearly 10 years has arrived! 61 jadeite stones sold for HK$200 million at Christie's Hong Kong.
Christie's Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Jewelry Auction concluded brilliantly on May 26, 2026.The total transaction volume reached HK$581,499,900 / US$74,207,005, a significant increase of 55% compared to the same period last year.Outstanding achievements lead the market.The sell-through rate was 90%, and the total hammer price was 129% of the low estimate.72% of the lots sold for more than their high estimates. Collectors from around the world bid enthusiastically through various channels, fully demonstrating the vibrant and robust demand in the global jewelry auction market.
The "Peerless Jadeite" necklace, which took center stage, is made up of 61 perfectly matched jadeite beads.Each bead, with a diameter ranging from approximately 8.8 to 13.7 millimeters, was sold for a record-breaking HK$200,200,000 / US$25,548,143 after multiple rounds of bidding.It became the top-selling item at Asian auctions this spring.
Christie's Hong Kong commented that this piece, named "Peerless Jade,"The jade necklace is made of 61 jade beads, each with a diameter ranging from approximately 13.7 mm to 8.8 mm and exhibiting a high degree of uniformity in size and color.This is the most expensive piece of jewelry sold at this season's auction.
Christie's Asia Pacific Jewelry Department Chair, Shi Lihua, said: "This jadeite bead necklace is the magnificent highlight of this auction. Jadeite bead necklaces have always been highly regarded for their profound cultural connotations and timeless charm." The necklace is pure and refined in color, with a crystal-clear and lustrous texture. It is an ultimate example in terms of bead material, carving, and aesthetics, achieving a high degree of harmony.
According to data, among the rich color spectrum of jadeite, green remains the most sought-after color, ranging from deep grass green to highly saturated and vibrant emerald green, each with its own unique charm.
Christie's points out: "Among the jadeite rough stones mined in various places, only a very small number have the saturation, transparency and fine texture to meet the requirements for making high jewelry. Given the unique characteristics of each jadeite, it is extremely difficult and rare to find 61 perfectly uniform jadeite beads to string together into a necklace."
This season's auction lineup is rich and diverse, encompassing jadeite, colored and colorless diamonds, colored gemstones, natural pearls, and masterpieces from renowned jewelry brands. It not only reflects the diverse collecting tastes of Asian collectors but also demonstrates Christie's unparalleled strength in the jewelry market.
Several notable lots performed exceptionally well:
A 1.78-carat oval-shaped fancy purple-red diamond brooch sold for HK$39,540,000 / US$5,045,822.
Another Bulgari "Trombino" ring, featuring a 3.17-carat rectangular fancy vivid pink diamond, sold for HK$25,510,000 / US$3,255,410.
This necklace is the latest addition to Christie's top-tier jadeite jewelry collection offered at its Hong Kong auction. Previous jadeite jewelry sold includes:
The "Perfect Match" jadeite bead and spinel necklace, which sold for HK$73.58 million (approximately US$9.44 million) in 2019;
A jade, ruby, and diamond necklace sold for HK$95.72 million (approximately US$12,310) in 2017;
And a single string of jade beads necklace that sold for HK$72.62 million (nearly US$9.4 million) in 1997.
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