A jadeite necklace, deemed the most valuable jadeite jewellery to appear at auction over the past 10 years, could sell for as much as HK$110 million to HK$200 million (around US$15 million to US$26 million) at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction on May 26.

The Ethereal Jadeite necklace, comprising 61 perfectly matched jadeite beads that measure approximately 13.7mm to 8.8mm in diameter, is also the most valuable jewel to be offered this season, according to the auction house.

Vickie Sek, chairman, Jewellery at Christie’s Asia Pacific, said, "The necklace is the standout highlight of the sale. Jadeite bead necklaces have long been treasured for their cultural significance and enduring appeal.” 

Distinguished by its exceptionally vivid green colour, remarkable texture and glassy translucency, the necklace represents the highest quality, craftsmanship and aesthetic harmony.

Among the spectrum of colours in which jadeite occurs, green remains the most coveted, ranging from deep sage tones to highly saturated, vibrant emerald green.

"Only a minute proportion of jadeite mined worldwide possesses the precise combination of colour saturation, translucency and fine texture required for high jewellery, while its inherent individuality makes the precise pairing of 61 perfectly matched beads into a single necklace an exceptionally rare achievement," noted the auction house.

This necklace is the latest addition to a stellar collection of jadeite necklaces that Christie’s has offered in previous Hong Kong auctions: The Heavenly Harmony jadeite bead and spinel necklace, which sold for HK$73.58 million (approximately US$9.44 million) in 2019; a jadeite, ruby and diamond necklace, which fetched HK$95.72 million (around US$12.31 million) in 2017; and a single-strand jadeite bead necklace, which raked in HK$72.62 million (nearly US$9.4 million) in 1997.