Articles From The Experts

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey looks at a truly remarkable piece from the estate of Al Capone: his custom-made platinum pocket watch. Dating back to 1919, this isn't just any timepiece – it’s a dazzling example of personalized luxury, adorned with diamonds spelling out Capone’s initials. Liz explores the story behind this extraordinary watch, from its origin...

In this episode, silver specialist Jenny Knott looks at the connection between Wimbledon, celebrity style, and iconic jewellery and watches. Discover how a mishap involving Chris Evert in the 1970s led to the creation of a timeless classic and explore the stunning fashion choices of stars like Emma Raducanu and Grigor Dimitrov. The collaborations between players and brands, demonstrate how the wea...

In this episode, senior valuer & collectors specialist, Stephanie Connell discusses the intriguing world of historic technology collecting – and you might be surprised at what’s valuable! We'll explore how the market mirrors those of vinyl records and trading cards, where rarity and condition are key. Discover what drove a first-generation iPhone to sell for over $190,000 and learn about the f...

In this episode, Old Master specialist David Dallas tells us about a remarkable collection assembled by Tom Kaplan, a friend of David’s and a fascinating figure with a passion for Rembrandt, big cats, and precious metals. Discover the story behind his extraordinary collection of Dutch Old Masters, including a stunning drawing by Rembrandt himself, and learn about a significant event planned for 20...

In this episode, contemporary art specialist, Jonathan Horwich, writes about the lives and works of the Scottish Colourists - Samuel John Peploe, Francis Cadell, George Leslie Hunter, and J.D. Fergusson. These artists were deeply influenced by French artistic movements, embracing vibrant colours and bold compositions and they left a lasting impact on modern Scottish art. Jonathan explores their un...

In this episode, Old Masters specialist, David Dallas, looks at the Sotheby’s New York sale of Old Masters from the collection of Jordan and Thomas A. Saunders III. The sale, titled "Elegance and Wonder," ultimately underperformed expectations, with a significant portion of the paintings failing to find buyers. But despite the disappointing overall result, the sale saw several paintings achieve wo...

In this episode, jewellery specialist Liz Bailey looks at the fascinating story behind two iconic Cartier tiaras belonging to Nancy Astor and her sister Phyllis Brand. These exquisite pieces, crafted in the early 20th century, reflect the international design influences of the time and the close bond between the Langhorne sisters. The tiaras are now set to reunite in London, with one being sold at...

In this episode, jewellery specialist, Aurélia Turrall writes about the incredible Cartier exhibition taking place at the Victoria & Albert Museum. From elegant Art Deco pieces to bold statements of modern luxury, this exhibition transports you on a journey through Cartier’s fascinating history. Hear how these iconic creations reflect Cartier’s timeless appeal and the stories behind their maki...

In this episode, our team of experts highlight some of the must-see exhibitions taking place this summer. From bold contemporary installations to historic masterpieces, there’s something for every taste across London and the UK. Hear recommendations from Ashley Crawford, Fiona Hamilton, Stephanie Connell, Jenny Knott, Liz Bailey, Richard Fattorini and Ben Hanly as they share their top picks, inclu...

In this episode, written by contemporary art specialist, Ben Hanley and read by Jenny Serra, we look at the vibrant art scene in London during the first two weeks of May, focusing on two major events: the Affordable Art Fair and Photo London. These fairs cater to diverse audiences and offer a wide range art for sale. The Affordable Art Fair, which began in 1999, continues its mission to make art a...

As this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show gets under way, senior valuer & collectors specialist, Stephanie Connell explores the hidden treasures of British gardens. Digging into the rich legacy of gardening in the UK, tracing its roots back to Roman times, Stephanie shares some recent auction highlights that perfectly illustrate the fascinating and valuable items that can be hidden in our outdoor...

In this episode, written by silver & whisky specialist, Colin Fraser, and read by Helen Doyle we look at the current state of the whisky investment market and the challenges it faces. We highlight the misleading and potentially fraudulent practices that have led to significant losses for investors and discuss the risks involved in investing in whisky casks. Get advice on the importance of work...

In this episode, rare books & manuscripts consultant specialist, Richard Fattorini, previews the UK’s biggest international rare book fair, Firsts London 2025. This year, centred around the theme "Books in Bloom," Richard delves into the unique intersection of literature and botany. He looks at how books about gardens and plants have inspired writers from Shakespeare to Frances Hodgson Burnett...

In this episode, Old Masters specialist, David Dallas shines a spotlight on the life and work of Mary Moser, a groundbreaking yet often forgotten artist from the 18th century. As one of the first women admitted to the Royal Academy, Mary Moser faced significant barriers due to gender norms. Despite this, she excelled as a flower painter, and at the pinnacle of her career she was awarded a prestigi...

In this episode, senior valuer & wristwatch specialist, Alastair Meiklejon looks at the fascinating history of playing cards and their evolution over centuries. From their origins in ancient Egypt, where early suits emerged, to the French invention of the standard suits we know today - Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. Playing cards became an integral part of global gaming and have enduring...

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist, Liz Bailey explores the captivating story of Omega Speedmaster watches linked to the Apollo space program. She reveals how these extraordinary timepieces have achieved incredible prices at auction, hinting at the remarkable history and prestige behind them. Hear about the fascinating stories, and staggering sums, attached to those that b...

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist, Liz Bailey, looks at jump hour Watches and Cartier’s latest release of the Tank à Guichets in their Privé collection. Exploring the history of these timepieces, which first emerged in the late 19th century, Liz highlights how Cartier’s reinterpretation of this iconic style is capturing collector interest. She also looks at other notable...

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...

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...

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, ch...

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 p...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

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...

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 w...

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 p...