Articles From The Experts

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this special episode, modern & contemporary art specialist, Jonathan Horwich pays tribute Frank Auerbach who passed away earlier this month. One of Britain's most important painters, he left behind a legacy of intensely personal and raw works. Shaped by his experience as a Jewish refugee during World War II, Auerbach poured his emotional depth and complexity into portraits and cityscapes. While deeply private, Auerbach's influence on fellow artists, particularly Lucian Freud, was profound. His work continues to inspire viewers with its honesty, integrity, and unflinching exploration of the human condition.

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In this episode, jewellery, handbag & wristwatch specialist Helen Doyle unveils a treasure trove of information in her essential guide to buying designer handbags. A must listen for anyone interested in acquiring or investing in luxury handbags, Helen delves deep into the intricacies of authenticating high-end bags from renowned brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. She goes beyond simple visual cues, exploring subtle details such as serial numbers, hardware quality, stitching patterns, and packaging specifics, empowering you to confidently identify genuine items and avoid costly counterfeits. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of luxury handbags, this guide is an invaluable resource that equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this exciting market.

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In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey explores the history and enduring appeal of Cartier’s Tortue wristwatch, originally designed by Louis Cartier in 1912 and named for its tortoise-shell-shaped case. The Tortue gained a unique status, evolving from a simple watch into Cartier’s first chronograph in 1928. The Tortue has retained its value over the years, with new limited-edition models released in 2024 gaining attention for their exclusive design and limited availability.

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In this episode, jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall explores The Boodles National Gallery Collection, a special collection of jewellery created by Boodles to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery. This collection draws inspiration from the artistic themes and techniques of famous paintings held in the gallery, translating them into exquisite jewellery pieces. The collection is organised into four themes; perspective, brushstroke, motherhood and play of light. Each piece in the collection is meticulously designed to reflect the essence of the artwork, blending fine craftsmanship with art-inspired symbolism.

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