Articles From The Experts

In this episode, silver specialist, Fiona Hamilton, takes a moment to appreciate the incredible sacrifices made by women in the 19th and early 20th centuries to win the right to vote. With International Women’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on their bravery. The suffragettes didn’t just talk about change, they took action. From hunger strikes to protests and even airships dropping leaflets over Parliament, these women did whatever it took to make their voices heard.

In this episode, senior valuer & wristwatch specialist Alastair Meiklejon, delves into the world of insurance valuations, DIY furniture painting, and why your curtains might be worth more than you think! From the rise of "Cluttercore" to the mysterious disappearance of minimalist living, Alastair unpacks the wonderful ways we’ve transformed our homes, and ourselves, in recent years. He reveals why your bread maker from 2021 might be worth more than your firstborn and why no one ever thinks about replacing their curtains until they have to.

Barry Humphries’ passion for art collecting is almost as well-known as his comedic persona of Dame Edna Everage. Over the years, he amassed an impressive collection of contemporary and modern artworks. His approach to art collecting was serious and deliberate, reflecting his sharp eye for unique and valuable works.Barry Humphries, who passed away in 2023, had a collection that went to auction in London on February 13th as part of "Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection." The first of a series of auctions featured items like Dame Edna’s iconic glasses, original paintings and prints, and even some works by Barry himself. Despite the printed catalogue selling out, you can still view the auction online.In this episode, contemporary art specialist Jonathan Horwich takes a look at Barry’s entertainment career, his love of fine art and some of the standout items from the London auction.

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watch specialist Liz Bailey reviews the highly anticipated Christie’s sale, featuring the eclectic collection of Iris Apfel - a treasure trove of vibrant, bold, and unique pieces. From luxurious Italian armchairs that exceeded their price expectations to eye-catching designer clothing and jewellery, the event was a celebration of Apfel's iconic style. Many items, including her own Rara Avis lucite bangles and a beaded Alice & Olivia coat, found new homes for much more than anticipated, showcasing the enduring allure of her imaginative designs. It’s a fascinating look at how Apfel's creativity continues to captivate and inspire.

In this episode, senior valuer & wristwatch specialist Alastair Meiklejon covers the key areas involved in identifying fake Rolex watches, and the motivations of people who knowingly purchase them. Get expert tips on what to look for when examining a Rolex Submariner, including the case, crystal, bracelet, movement, dial, and bezel. Finally, Alastair emphasises the importance of considering the seller and seeking professional appraisal for authenticity verification.

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.