What are the advantages of purchasing vintage/antique jewelry at auction, and what advice would you give someone approaching this process for the first time? First things first: Buy what you love. Follow your eye and trust your gut. Auction previews are a fantastic way to see what’s out there, and tracking results helps you get a feel for the secondary market. The more you look, the more confident you’ll feel when the right piece comes along. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Specialists are here to help, and we genuinely love it. Talking jewelry is what we are most passionate about. As an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, @properties shares a close partnership with Christie’s for the sale and acquisition of fine art and luxury goods, including jewelry, handbags, timepieces, automotive, rare wines and other collectibles.
more frequently and at higher values. At the same time, digital platforms have become significantly more sophisticated, personalized and secure, which has accelerated this shift. Our online-only auctions have also become a major driver of growth. They offer an accessible entry point for new collectors and continue to diversify our buyer base. Are there lesser-known designers or brands that are gaining momentum and popularity? We’ve been seeing exceptional results for early works by Suzanne Belperron. Bracelets and necklaces that were previously owned by the likes of Diana Vreeland and Elsa Schiaparelli have really captivated collectors. Belperron’s designs are unique and bold – it is incredible to think that these works were designed in the early to mid-20th century when they feel super contemporary.
Spinels and Paraiba tourmalines have been achieving exceptional prices for refined and superb stones. In December, we sold a very rare Paraiba tourmaline and diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co., from the Collection of Max and Cecile Draime. Weighing 13.54 carats, the striking color and clarity of the stone made it not just rare, but also one of the finest examples to come to market. It sold for a record-breaking price of $4.2 million. Have you seen a shift in buyer profiles recently (age, geography, online vs. live sales, etc.)? Is the appeal of vintage and antique jewelry widening to a broader audience? We’ve seen a shift in buyer profiles across age and bidding behavior. Since the Covid lockdown, clients have become far more comfortable purchasing online, both
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