Articles From The Experts

In this episode, silver & jewellery specialist Jenny Knott looks at the fascinating world of Fabergé eggs and their connection to Easter traditions. Drawing on her expertise, Jenny delves into the recent sale of a rare and extraordinary collection of Fabergé eggs, highlighting their historical significance and the staggering prices they fetched at auction. She also explores the origins of the Easter egg hunt, tracing its roots back to 18th-century Europe and the influence of German immigrants in America. Jenny shares insights into how Easter eggs have evolved over time, from traditional egg hunts to the commercialisation of chocolate eggs, and ties together the threads of history, culture, and craftsmanship that make these traditions so enduring.

In this episode, rare books and manuscripts specialist Richard Fattorini looks at the remarkable libraries of the late comedian Barry Humphries, better known as Dame Edna Everage. The podcast details two auctions held by Christie's and Forum Auctions, revealing the scope and value of Humphries' extensive collection, which numbered over 4,000 volumes. The auctions showcased a wide range of literary treasures and realised over £4.6 million, demonstrating the enduring appeal and historical significance of Humphries' literary legacy.

In this episode, jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall looks at the new partnership between Chanel and The Oxford Cambridge Boat Race. This year, the historic sporting event is sponsored by Chanel and rebranded as The Chanel J12 Boat Race. Aurélia explores the reasons behind this partnership by delving into the history of the J12 watch. She also looks at how Gabrielle Chanel, a keen sportswoman, championed freedom and style for women, influencing fashion and reflecting a move towards more active lifestyles.

Paris has reigned as the undisputed European “City of Pearls,” since the late 1860s. In this episode, jewellery, silver & watch specialist Liz Bailey journals her visit to the ‘Paris - City of Pearls’ exhibition hosted by Van Cleef & Arpels' L'Ecole School of Jewellery Arts. From Art Nouveau creations featuring baroque and Mississippi pearls to exquisite Art Deco designs and contemporary pieces, the exhibition showcases the versatility and allure of pearls. What treasures did Liz discover, and what makes Paris the undisputed capital of pearls? Listen now to find out!

In this episode, silver & jewellery specialist Jenny Knott looks at the delicate details that keep our precious jewellery safe and sound. From royal mishaps to personal losses, Jenny highlights the importance of clasps, settings, and other small components. It's not just about the sparkle, but also about what keeps your jewellery safe and secure.

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey looks at some of the exceptional pieces on display at this year’s TEFAF Maastricht, from heritage collections to contemporary designs. Focusing on fine jewellery and watches, Liz highlights some of the must-see items at the fair, including pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels, René Lalique, Hemmerle, and Patek Philippe offering a tantalising glimpse into the treasures on display.

In this episode, silver specialist Fiona Hamilton looks at Glasgow's Burrell Collection, a treasure trove nestled in a park. She delves into the story of Sir William Burrell, the shipping magnate whose passion for art led him to amass an incredible array of artifacts. Fiona shares her own experiences with the collection as she explores this remarkable museum and the legacy of a man who wanted to share his love of art with the world.

In this episode, Old Master specialist David Dallas looks at the life and work of highly successful Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch. Known for her exquisite flower still lifes, she benefited from early training under renowned artists and even had a father who was a professor of anatomy and botany, providing inspiration for her work. Ruysch's talent led to significant financial success, membership in prestigious artist societies, and recognition as a court painter. Her paintings continue to be sought after by collectors today and are displayed in prominent museums worldwide.

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.