Jade, a precious stone known for its stunning green hues and rich cultural history, has been highly valued for centuries, especially in China. It is not only admired for its beauty but also revered for its supposed protective and healing properties. Over the years, several pieces of jade have fetched astronomical prices at auctions, often reflecting their historical significance, craftsmanship, and rarity. This article delves into the nine most expensive jades ever sold, showcasing the allure and timeless value of this extraordinary gemstone.
1. The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace
The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace is one of the most famous and expensive jade pieces in history. This exquisite jade necklace features 27 pristine jadeite beads, each perfectly matched in color and size, with an emerald, diamond, ruby, and platinum clasp designed by Cartier. Originally owned by Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress, and later by Princess Nina Mdivani, the necklace is renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and historical significance. In 2014, it was sold at Sotheby’s for an astounding $27.4 million, making it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold.
The jade beads of the Hutton-Mdivani Necklace are of the highest quality, known as “Imperial jade,” which is characterized by its vivid emerald-green color, translucency, and smooth texture. The rarity of such high-quality jadeite and the necklace’s storied provenance contributed significantly to its record-breaking price.
2. The Double-Fish Jade Pendant
The Double-Fish Jade Pendant, an exceptional example of ancient Chinese jade carving, dates back to the Qing Dynasty. This pendant is carved from a single piece of flawless jadeite, featuring two intricately detailed fish, symbolizing abundance and prosperity in Chinese culture. The pendant’s intricate craftsmanship, coupled with the superior quality of jade, makes it a highly coveted piece among collectors.
In 2015, this remarkable jade pendant was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $12.8 million. The pendant’s historical significance, combined with the exceptional artistry involved in its creation, makes it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Double-Fish Jade Pendant exemplifies the high level of skill and artistry achieved by ancient Chinese jade carvers.
3. The Jadeite Cabochon Necklace
Another notable piece of jade jewelry is the Jadeite Cabochon Necklace, which features 43 jadeite cabochons of exceptional quality, set in a platinum and diamond mount. Each jadeite cabochon is meticulously matched for color, clarity, and size, creating a harmonious and visually stunning piece of jewelry. The necklace’s elegant design and the superior quality of jadeite make it a standout piece in the world of fine jewelry.
In 2013, this magnificent jadeite necklace was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $8.4 million. The Jadeite Cabochon Necklace’s combination of exquisite craftsmanship and rare jadeite cabochons makes it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold, showcasing the enduring appeal of jade in high-end jewelry.
4. The Jadeite Cabbage
The Jadeite Cabbage, a masterpiece of Chinese jade carving, is one of the most iconic and expensive jade pieces in the world. Carved during the Qing Dynasty, this intricate sculpture depicts a life-sized cabbage with a grasshopper and katydid perched on its leaves, symbolizing fertility and good fortune. The Jadeite Cabbage is celebrated for its lifelike detail and the use of natural color variations in the jade to enhance its realism.
Housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, the Jadeite Cabbage is considered priceless and is not for sale. However, its cultural and historical significance, combined with its extraordinary craftsmanship, places it among the most valuable jade pieces in existence. The Jadeite Cabbage remains a beloved national treasure and a testament to the artistic achievements of ancient Chinese jade carvers.
5. The Imperial Green Jadeite Necklace
The Imperial Green Jadeite Necklace, a stunning piece of jade jewelry, features 11 jadeite beads of exceptional quality, each bead exhibiting the coveted “Imperial green” hue. This necklace’s simple yet elegant design highlights the beauty of the jadeite, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors and connoisseurs.
In 2018, the Imperial Green Jadeite Necklace was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $7.5 million. The necklace’s exceptional quality and the rarity of Imperial green jadeite contributed to its high price, solidifying its status as one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Imperial Green Jadeite Necklace is a prime example of how the quality and color of jadeite can significantly influence its value.
See Also: Why is jade so popular in Vietnam?
6. The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Plaque
The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Plaque, an exquisite example of Chinese jade carving, features a beautifully detailed scene of birds and flowers, symbolizing peace and harmony. This jadeite plaque is carved from a single piece of high-quality jadeite, known for its vivid green color and fine texture. The plaque’s intricate carving and historical significance make it a highly prized piece among collectors.
In 2016, this remarkable jadeite plaque was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $6.7 million. The combination of the plaque’s superior quality jadeite, intricate craftsmanship, and historical importance contributed to its high price, making it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Plaque showcases the extraordinary skill and artistry of ancient Chinese jade carvers.
7. The Ming Dynasty Jadeite Bowl
The Ming Dynasty Jadeite Bowl, an exquisite example of Chinese jade carving, is renowned for its simplicity and elegance. Carved from a single piece of jadeite, this bowl features a smooth, polished surface and a beautifully proportioned shape. The bowl’s understated design highlights the natural beauty of the jadeite, making it a highly prized piece among collectors.
In 2017, this remarkable jadeite bowl was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $5.6 million. The combination of the bowl’s superior quality jadeite, elegant design, and historical significance contributed to its high price, making it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Ming Dynasty Jadeite Bowl exemplifies the timeless appeal of jade and the high level of skill achieved by ancient Chinese jade carvers.
8. The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Brush Washer
The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Brush Washer, an exquisite example of Chinese jade carving, is renowned for its intricate design and superior quality jadeite. This brush washer, used by scholars to wash their brushes, features a beautifully detailed dragon motif, symbolizing power and strength. The brush washer’s intricate carving and historical significance make it a highly prized piece among collectors.
In 2015, this remarkable jadeite brush washer was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $4.8 million. The combination of the brush washer’s superior quality jadeite, intricate craftsmanship, and historical importance contributed to its high price, making it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Qing Dynasty Jadeite Brush Washer showcases the extraordinary skill and artistry of ancient Chinese jade carvers.
9. The Jadeite Peony
The Jadeite Peony, an exquisite example of Chinese jade carving, is renowned for its intricate design and superior quality jadeite. This jadeite sculpture depicts a beautifully detailed peony, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. The peony’s lifelike detail and the use of natural color variations in the jade enhance its realism, making it a highly prized piece among collectors.
In 2016, this remarkable jadeite peony was sold at a Hong Kong auction for $4.2 million. The combination of the peony’s superior quality jadeite, intricate craftsmanship, and cultural significance contributed to its high price, making it one of the most expensive jade pieces ever sold. The Jadeite Peony exemplifies the extraordinary skill and artistry achieved by ancient Chinese jade carvers.
In Conclusion
The most expensive jade pieces ever sold are not only remarkable for their beauty and craftsmanship but also for their cultural and historical significance. These extraordinary jades represent the pinnacle of human artistry and the enduring appeal of this precious gemstone. As the market for high-quality jade continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more record-breaking prices for these exceptional pieces in the future.
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