Most Valuable Jade Jewelry Ever Sold at Auction

Jade has been treasured by jewelers, collectors and royal courts for thousands of years. Known for its smooth texture, luminous surface and remarkable range of color, jade can appear in shades from milky white to vivid emerald green, with some stones showing striking translucency.

Fine jade jewelry has long been associated with wealth, status, craftsmanship and cultural significance. From carved bangles and bead necklaces to diamond-set pendants, the most valuable jade pieces often combine exceptional material, strong provenance and expert design. These are some of the most valuable jade jewelry pieces and jade objects ever sold at auction.

Jadeite Jade, Freshwater Cultured Pearl, Diamond and Platinum Necklace

Sold: Dec. 6, 2016

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $20,000

Bottom Line: Jadeite Jade, Freshwater Cultured Pearl, Diamond and Platinum Necklace

This refined jadeite jade necklace combines cultured pearls, diamonds and platinum in an elegant long-form design.

The necklace measures 48 inches and includes a total of 1.95 carats of diamonds, giving the piece a graceful balance of softness, sparkle and classic luxury.

Jadeite Jade, Diamond and Gold Ring

Sold: Dec. 9, 2013

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $20,000

Bottom Line: Jadeite Jade, Diamond and Gold Ring

This statement ring centers on a substantial jadeite jade cabochon framed by diamonds.

The jade weighs 11 carats and is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of full-cut diamonds. An AGL report confirmed the stone as natural-color jadeite jade with no gemological evidence of impregnation.

That distinction matters because many jade pieces are genuine jade but have been dyed or treated. Untreated color can significantly increase value.

Jadeite Jade and Gold Bracelet for Tiffany & Co.

Sold: April 29, 2014

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $22,500

Bottom Line: Jadeite Jade and Gold Bracelet for Tiffany & Co.

This lotus-root hinged bangle was made for Tiffany & Co. using 18k gold and jade.

Its design makes it stand out. Most jade bangles are carved as solid circular bracelets, while hinged jade bracelets are less common and technically distinctive.

Jadeite Jade, Diamond and Platinum Earrings

Sold: Dec. 9, 2013

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $25,000

Bottom Line: Jadeite Jade, Diamond and Platinum Earrings

These jadeite earrings are accented by bright diamonds, creating a strong contrast between the cool green stone and the brilliance of the surrounding gems.

They are notable because high-end jade jewelry is more often seen as bangles, pendants or necklaces than earrings. Their clip-on design also makes them easy to wear without pierced ears.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Snake Cult Amulet

Sold: Dec. 17, 2019

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $33,000

Bottom Line: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Snake Cult Amulet

This snake cult amulet is valuable largely because of its connection to the film “Conan the Barbarian.”

It came from the collection of John Milius, the movie’s writer and director. The amulet itself may not be as costly as fine gemstone jewelry, but its entertainment provenance made it highly desirable to collectors.

Art Deco Jadeite Jade, Sapphire, Diamond, Seed Pearl and Platinum Necklace

Sold: Dec. 6, 2021

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $35,000

Bottom Line: Art Deco Jadeite Jade, Sapphire, Diamond, Seed Pearl and Platinum Necklace

This Art Deco necklace brings together jadeite jade, sapphires, diamonds, seed pearls and platinum.

It includes 0.70 carats of sapphires and 0.15 carats of single-cut diamonds, but the carved jadeite jade remains the visual centerpiece of the design.

Tiffany & Co. Jade Tassel Necklace

Sold: Dec. 6, 2021

Sold by: Heritage Auctions

Hammer price: $37,500

Bottom Line: Tiffany & Co. Jade Tassel Necklace

This distinctive tassel necklace features nephrite jade rather than jadeite, which is often the more valuable form of jade in the fine jewelry market.

With beads, tassels and gold detailing, the necklace has a bold decorative style and was offered with its Tiffany & Co. box.

Jade, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Pendant

Sold: May 2, 2011

Sold by: Cecilia H. Caldwell Trust

Hammer price: $50,787.50

Bottom Line: Jade, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Pendant

This intricately designed pendant sets jade with diamonds, platinum and gold.

It includes 0.90 carats of full-cut diamonds and was accompanied by a verification report related to the quality of its jadeite jade.

Translucent Natural Jade Pendant

Sold: March 26, 2016

Sold by: Linwoods Auction

Hammer price: $97,500

Bottom Line: Translucent Natural Jade Pendant

The vivid natural green color and translucency of this jade pendant make it especially striking.

Its color is so intense that the stone can resemble emerald, a visual quality that helped push its auction value close to six figures.

Jade and Diamond Victorian Bracelet

Sold: March 7, 2021

Sold by: Federal G Liquidation

Hammer price: $110,000

Bottom Line: Jade and Diamond Victorian Bracelet

Many jade jewelry pieces are designed in traditional Chinese styles, but this 14k gold bracelet is Victorian in character.

The ornate bracelet features jade and diamonds, including 11 jade cabochons with a total jade weight of 34.1 carats.

David Webb Convertible Chain Necklace

Sold: Jan. 19, 2022

Sold by: Joshua Kodner

Hammer price: $150,000

Bottom Line: David Webb Convertible Chain Necklace

This contemporary convertible chain necklace combines jade with emeralds, sapphires and 18k yellow gold.

The jade is a major focal point, carved into a distinctive white cabochon that gives the necklace a bold designer look.

Jade Bead Necklace

Sold: April 12, 2022

Sold by: Doyle New York

Hammer price: $160,000

Bottom Line: Jade Bead Necklace

This necklace features a long strand of carefully matched jade beads.

Because jade varies widely in color, texture and translucency, assembling a full necklace of beads with consistent appearance can be difficult. That quality helped make this piece especially valuable.

Jade ‘Buddha’ Pendant with Diamonds and Gold

Sold: Sept. 5, 2020

Sold by: GWS Auctions, Inc.

Hammer price: $170,000

Bottom Line: Jade ‘Buddha’ Pendant with Diamonds and Gold

This jade Buddha pendant sold for $170,000 thanks in part to its Type A jade, an especially desirable classification.

The pendant contains 120.86 carats of jade and was accompanied by an official jade identification report from Hong Kong Gems Laboratory.

Jadeite Jade Type A Bracelet

Sold: Jan. 18, 2019

Sold by: Diamond N Jewelry Auctioneers Inc.

Hammer price: $198,000

Bottom Line: Jadeite Jade Type A Bracelet

This jadeite jade bangle is prized for its Type A jade and attractive white-green translucency, with deeper green tones visible in some areas.

It represents the classic appeal of a fine jade bangle: simple, smooth, luminous and highly collectible.

Multicolor Jade Bracelet

Sold: June 21, 2014

Sold by: Royal Fine Antiques Asia

Hammer price: $200,000

Bottom Line: Multicolor Jade Bracelet

This antique multicolor jade bracelet displays rare, dramatic tones.

Dating to the Han dynasty period, the bracelet has dark brown and red hues that make it resemble agate at first glance.

Han Dynasty Jade Bracelet

Sold: Oct. 25, 2014

Sold by: Royal Fine Antiques Asia

Hammer price: $200,000

Bottom Line: Han Dynasty Jade Bracelet

The beautiful striations in this Han dynasty jade bracelet make it a distinctive and valuable auction find.

Like many jade bangles, it was made in a specific size. For collectors who hope to wear such a valuable bracelet, fit is an important practical consideration.

Jade and Diamond 14k Necklace

Sold: Nov. 29, 2019

Sold by: US Jewelry Liquidations

Hammer price: $258,000

Bottom Line: Jade and Diamond 14k Necklace

Although the necklace had a suggested retail price of $128,000, it ultimately sold for $258,000.

Made with jade, diamonds and 14k yellow gold, this contemporary piece emphasizes the rich green color of the jade in a bold, eye-catching setting.

Green Jade Bangle

Sold: Feb. 2, 2019

Sold by: Lin Lin Kuriyama

Hammer price: $260,000

Bottom Line: Green Jade Bangle

This traditional green jade bangle is exceptionally vivid. It was sold as part of a set, possibly carved from the same piece of jade.

One reason jade bangles can command high prices is that each must be carved from a single piece of jade. The material must be large and strong enough to create the complete circular form.

Chinese Carved Jade Bangle

Sold: Sept. 24, 2017

Sold by: Antique Reader Inc.

Hammer price: $270,000

Bottom Line: Chinese Carved Jade Bangle

Not all valuable jade is green. Some of the most interesting jade jewelry displays multiple colors within the same piece.

This carved bangle shows attractive green and red tones, making it a particularly unusual and memorable example.

Jade and Diamond Halo Necklace

Sold: Dec. 17, 2020

Sold by: Federal G Liquidation

Hammer price: $610,000

Bottom Line: Jade and Diamond Halo Necklace

This impressive halo necklace features jade along with more than 56 carats of diamonds.

The value of the piece clearly extends beyond the jade, but the gemstone’s glow and color help anchor the design. Although its suggested price was $37,000, it sold for far more at auction.

Jade Emerald Bangle

Sold: Aug. 29, 2018

Sold by: Harvard Auction Inc.

Hammer price: $700,000

Bottom Line: Jade Emerald Bangle

Jade bangles hold a special place in Chinese culture, where they are often associated with tradition, symbolism and important life celebrations.

This jade bangle, made in the Qing dynasty style, reached the highest auction price on this list, selling for $700,000.