Articles From The Experts

Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807), was a founder member of the Royal Academy and one of the most sought-after portrait painters of her generation. In this episode old master specialist David Dallas looks at her life and career.

Selecting the right safe is very important. A home safe is a great tool for keeping your valuables secure, but there are several factors to consider to ensure that you have the right level of protection and that your insurance is valid. In this episode, Director of Private Client Services at Insafe, Jenny Cooper, shares her tips and recommendations on why you need a safe.

This week’s jewellery pick is a distinctive gold piece: an alligator hinged bangle crafted by Barry Kieselstein-Cord. Renowned initially for sterling silver creations, he garnered fame with his unique designs, attracting celebrities and collaborations with brands such as Calvin Klein. In this episode jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall takes a closer look at his work.

In the world of watches, Swatch reigns supreme with its unique blend of affordability, innovation, and style. Emerging in 1983 as a reaction against the quartz crisis, Swatch defied convention, and rose to prominence with their inexpensive and reliable watches. In this episode Senior Valuer & Wristwatch Specialist Alastair Meiklejon takes a closer look at the company.

In this episode jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall explores the history of mourning jewellery, and its popularity since Queen Victoria's mourning period after Prince Albert's death. She looks at the enduring appeal of mourning jewels, not merely as fashion statements but as heartfelt tributes to the departed.

In this episode senior valuer and wristwatch specialist Alastair Meiklejon looks at the current wristwatch market. Recently, the view of the wristwatch world has changed completely with secondary market prices dropping, particularly for top-tier watches. However, amidst the turmoil, certain watches like the Rolex 'Starbucks' and the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph saw value increases, signalling potential stability. Meanwhile, industry innovation continues with standout releases like the Piaget Polo '79 and collaborations such as Victoria Beckham's with Breitling. As the market adapts, new investment opportunities emerge, demonstrating the resilience of the watch industry.

Undoubtedly, values within the designer jewellery world have experienced notable boosts in recent years. A distinctive amalgamation of the post-pandemic surge in luxury goods, an escalation in social media's influence on purchasing behaviors, wider inflation, and bullion prices have all played roles in fostering an exceptionally vibrant environment. As retail prices rise, the value of sought-after designer pieces on the secondary market has kept pace. In this episode, written by jewellery and watch specialist Liz Bailey, we look at some examples.

In this episode, rare book and manuscript specialist Richard Fattorini explores Beatrix Potter's timeless works. From the humble beginnings of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" to the enchanting allure of Potter's illustrations, her books are still cherished to this day, with some first editions being highly sought-after collector's items.

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for hundreds of years. In this episode silver & jewellery specialist, Jenny Knott explores their history and looks at perhaps the most famous of all Easter eggs, the Fabergé egg.