Articles From The Experts

In this episode, written by jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall we look at a shocking crime that's left a community reeling – the theft of a priceless collection of Indian bridal jewellery. We explore why these unique and culturally significant pieces are such a target for thieves, and what makes them so valuable, both financially and sentimentally. Discover the intricate details of these traditional wedding suites, from the delicate necklaces to the ornate nose rings, and learn why their recovery is so challenging. Listen now to find out what the estimated value of the stolen jewels is and why their true worth is simply "priceless."

In this episode, Asian art specialist Ashley Innes explores The Kythira Archaeological Museum which holds a wealth of history, spanning millennia. From ancient ceramics to a remarkable collection of Greek and Roman coins, the museum's holdings reveal a rich artistic heritage. One fascinating highlight is a Hellenistic sculpture of Hygieia, the goddess of health. Listen now to discover how a Greek fashion tradition travelled thousands of miles, influencing art and culture across continents, from Greece to India and eventually China.

In this episode, watch specialist & senior valuer Alastair Meiklejon looks at the fascinating shifts happening in the high-net-worth watch market. Forget the old fears of falling prices – we're seeing a reset, a move away from hype and towards genuine value and artistry. Discover how collectors are becoming wiser, more adventurous, and demanding more than just inflated prices. What's driving this change, and what does it mean for the future of luxury timepieces? Listen now to find out!

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey explores the fascinating world of Breguet, a name synonymous with horological history and innovation. Liz looks into the brand's 250th-anniversary celebrations, highlighting incredibly rare and valuable timepieces - Discover how Abraham-Louis Breguet revolutionised watchmaking, from the tourbillon to the Breguet balance spring, and hear about the unique stories and craftsmanship behind these stunning creations. Liz looks at some modern-day Breguet limited-edition releases and reimagined classics, all beautifully brought to life. Listen now to learn more about these exquisite timepieces and the legacy of a true horological legend!

In this episode, contemporary art specialist Jonathan Horwich looks at the remarkable story of Leonard Lauder, a name you might not recognise, but whose art collection recently went through sale at Sotheby’s and made headlines around the globe. Discover how a family business, Estée Lauder, fuelled a passion for art that culminated in this extraordinary sale. Shattering previous records and becoming the most expensive Modern artwork ever auctioned, what masterpiece commanded such a staggering price? Listen now to find out!

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey looks at a truly remarkable story – one of a Patek Philippe wristwatch so rare, it sparked a bidding war and ignited a global debate amongst collectors. Liz looks at the fascinating history of the ref. 1518, a watch so sought-after that it fetched record-breaking prices at auction, exceeding CHF 14 million! But this isn’t just about the money; it's about the controversies surrounding its details and the expertise needed to understand its unique place in horological history. What secrets does this legendary timepiece hold, and why did it become the subject of such passionate discussion? Listen now to find out!

In this episode, written by silver & whiskey specialist Colin Fraser, we take another look at the Whiskey market… and things have been… interesting. We explore fluctuating prices, new releases, and a dramatic shift in how whisky is bought and sold. Has the market corrected itself, or are we seeing something more significant at play? Join us as we explore the current climate, what it means for collectors, and what the future might hold. Is it a chance to grab a bargain, or should you be wary? Listen now to find out!

In this episode, our specialists recommend some must-see exhibitions, including a fascinating look into the mind of an innovative film director, a retrospective of a significant artist’s work, and a celebration of a vibrant design movement. Discover rarely seen masterpieces and explore captivating narratives through art, jewellery, and material culture. We also touch on a national campaign to acquire a historic treasure for the nation. Listen now to hear about these extraordinary exhibitions awaiting you this winter!