At the China (Shanghai) International Gold, Jewellery and Jade Fair held in Shanghai yesterday, some of the most luxurious jewelry from around the world made a stunning appearance. Among the highlights was a 10-karat diamond valued at 3 million yuan and an emerald necklace worth an impressive 38 million yuan. These high-end pieces have captured the attention of both collectors and investors, reflecting a growing trend in the market.
With the U.S. dollar weakening and inflation expectations rising, luxury items such as diamonds, jade, and high-end jewelry have become increasingly attractive to investors. According to recent reports, diamond prices have climbed by approximately 5% this year, while select high-grade emeralds have seen increases of up to 50%. This surge in demand has been driven by a combination of economic uncertainty and a desire for tangible assets that can retain or increase in value.
The event showcased rare and valuable pieces from 16 countries and regions, including China, Israel, India, and Sri Lanka. Security measures were tight, with strict checks and numerous surveillance cameras in place to protect the priceless exhibits. The 38 million yuan jade necklace, for instance, was not just a display piece—it symbolized the soaring value of high-quality jade, which has risen dramatically over the past year.
Many buyers are now turning to diamonds and jade as investment options. A Chinese sales representative from an Israeli diamond exhibitor noted that sales have been strong this year, especially in the second half. "Customers are using diamonds as a hedge against inflation," he explained. "For example, this 10.17-carat diamond is currently priced at 3 million yuan, a 5% increase since the start of the year."
Similarly, a dark green jade necklace displayed in a shop window drew attention for its exceptional quality and brilliance. A manager from a Taiwanese jade company revealed that the price of this particular piece was 38 million yuan—equivalent to the cost of a mid-range apartment in Shanghai. He added that jade values have surged by nearly 50% this year.
Diamonds follow a strict international grading system known as the 4C (carat, clarity, color, and cut), with prices updated weekly on the Rapaport Diamond Report. This standardized pricing makes diamonds more stable as an investment. However, only larger, high-quality stones—typically over one carat—are considered viable for long-term appreciation. Some top-tier diamonds have appreciated by as much as 30% in the past two years.
Jade, on the other hand, has shown even more dramatic price increases. While lower-grade jade may not see significant gains, certain rare, high-grade pieces have jumped tenfold in a single year. Experts like Zhang Shengkang, deputy general manager of Shanghai Lao Fengxiang, describe the current jade market as “crazy.†He noted that jade prices from Myanmar have risen consistently, with some high-end pieces seeing 30% to 50% increases this year.
Xu Wenjun, secretary-general of the Shanghai Gold Jewelry Industry Association, shared an example: a set of Chengyu jade bracelets that once sold for under 20 million yuan now fetch 50 million. “The owners don’t want to sell,†he said. “If they do, they won’t be able to buy it back at the same price.â€
The rapid price growth can be attributed to several factors. Diamonds and jade are non-renewable resources, and their production costs continue to rise. Combined with the depreciation of the U.S. dollar and strong consumer demand, these factors have contributed to the market's upward momentum. Last year, Shanghai’s gold jewelry sales reached about 25 billion yuan, and this year is expected to surpass 30 billion—a 20% increase.
However, investing in high-end jewelry carries risks. Unlike gold, which can be easily liquidated, the resale channels for diamonds and jade are limited. Most jewelers are reluctant to repurchase, and the few available options—such as pawnshops and auctions—offer low returns. Pawnshops typically offer only one-third of the market price, while auctions require high-quality, rare pieces to qualify.
Chen Dingmao, a quality supervisor at the Shanghai Baosteel Precious Metal Gemstone Quality Supervision and Inspection Station, warned about the risk of counterfeit products. He advised buyers to purchase from certified stores and request third-party certificates for items over 5,000 yuan or 0.20 carats. For jade, it’s important to specify whether it is natural (A-grade) jadeite rather than just using the vague term “jade stone.â€
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