Articles From The Experts

In this episode, jewellery, handbag and wristwatch specialist Helen Doyle looks at some iconic jewellery that would make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts! From famous collections like Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra, Cartier's Love bracelet, and Tiffany & Co.'s legendary engagement rings to the cultural significance of rubies and their captivating colour variations, if you’re looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift or you’re simply interested in exploring the fascinating world of fine jewellery, this is for you.

In this episode, Asian art specialist, Ashley Crawford celebrates the Lunar New Year and The Year of the Snake by exploring the cultural significance of the snake in Chinese art. She looks at specific examples of snake imagery, including Tang Dynasty terracotta figurines and Qing Dynasty jade sculptures. If you're interested in collecting these kinds of pieces, Ashley gives some pro tips on where to find authentic items and what to look for when buying.

In this episode, jewellery and watch specialist, Liz Bailey looks at the history of Bulgari Serpenti watches. She explores how these iconic timepieces have captivated celebrities and collectors alike for over 75 years. She looks at the different eras and models of Serpenti watches, including the original 1960s snake-shaped designs, as well as more modern iterations such as the diamond-set Serpenti Seduttori automatic wristwatch released this year. For those looking to buy or insure Bulgari Serpenti watches, this is a must listen, providing valuable insights into their history, design, and current market values.

In this episode, jewellery specialist, Liz Bailey explores the growing popularity of marquise-cut diamonds. With increasing market value, fuelled by shortages and celebrity influences like Selena Gomez's engagement ring, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the marquise-cut. Liz delves into the history of the cut, its unique shape, and the key factors influencing its value: colour, clarity, cut grade, carat weight, and the all-important length-to-width ratio.

The pearl market is experiencing a revival driven by sustainability and interest from younger generations. This is reflected in auction sales, with high prices for both natural and cultured pearls, especially larger, flawless examples with designer attribution or historical significance. In this episode, jewellery specialist, Liz Bailey looks at some of the standout auction results that illustrate this trend, including a record-breaking sale of a natural Scottish freshwater pearl.

In this episode, old master specialist, David Dallas looks at the December 2024 Old Master art sales in London which saw decent results despite fewer high-quality pieces and a smaller number of lots overall compared to previous years. While buyers seemed willing to pay strong prices for select works, particularly those by established names like Botticelli and van Dyck. The Sotheby's sale exceeded Christie's in total value, with a focus on notable pieces like a Botticelli Madonna and Child fetching £9.96 million. However, both houses experienced some unsold lots, highlighting the challenges facing the market.

Get ready for a crash course in festive tippling! In this episode, old master specialist, David Dallas shares his festive wine recommendations. But this isn't just about recommending wines, it’s about finding hidden gems that won't break the bank. David shares some clever tips on navigating Christmas dinner pairings, from surprising alternatives to bubbly that might even outshine the real thing, to budget-friendly bottles that can stand up to even the most decadent cheeses and puddings.

In this episode, impressionist, post war & contemporary art specialist, Ben Hanly takes a detailed look at the current state of the art market. Despite facing challenges from global inflation, political instability, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the art market demonstrated resilience in 2023-2024. While overall sales decreased by 4%, high-value artworks continued to fetch impressive prices, indicating sustained demand among collectors. The rise of online sales further fuelled market activity, showcasing the evolving landscape of art acquisition. Although economic concerns impacted discretionary spending, particularly at the top end of the market, the art world continues to navigate these complexities with a blend of cautious optimism and enduring passion for collecting.

In this episode, silver specialist, Fiona Hamilton looks at the history and cultural significance of the quaich, a traditional Scottish two-lugged bowl. She explores how the quaich evolved from simple wooden forms to elaborate silver pieces, often engraved with intricate designs. Today, the quaich remains a cherished symbol of Scotland's heritage, representing hospitality, trust, and the enduring bonds between its people.