From Cartier to Hermès: Roseberys’ Auctions Offer Rare Jewellery, Watches, and Luxury Collectibles

The Rise of Auction Culture

In recent years, the allure of luxury goods has shifted from traditional retail environments to the dynamic world of auctions. Roseberys, a leading London auction house, is at the forefront of this trend, offering discerning collectors and investors access to rare jewellery, watches, and luxury collectibles. Their upcoming auctions on September 23 and 24 promise to showcase pieces with rich provenance and exceptional investment potential.

The Secondary Market: A Treasure Trove for Collectors

The secondary market has become a vital resource for those seeking storied pieces that carry a sense of history. According to industry experts, luxury sales accounted for a decade-high 18.8% of auction turnover in early 2024, with projections indicating that this figure will rise to over 20% this year. This growth is particularly significant as luxury goods have helped offset sluggish sales in the visual arts sector.

Jewels with a Story

One of the standout pieces in Roseberys’ September Jewellery auction is a pair of mid-Victorian diamond drop earrings, formerly owned by a viscountess and estimated to fetch between £6,000 and £8,000. Catrin Jones, Head of Jewellery at Roseberys, emphasizes the unique value of such items: “Jewels are often tangible pieces of history. That sense of lineage is harder to replicate in the retail market.”

The practical advantages of purchasing through auctions are compelling. Retail markups can soar to 300%, while auction prices often remain competitive. Each piece consigned to Roseberys undergoes rigorous authentication by qualified gemologists and valuers, ensuring buyers receive genuine items—a level of confidence often lacking in online resale platforms. Additionally, buying second-hand jewellery is inherently sustainable, as it eliminates the need for new mining of metals and gemstones.

Investing in Time

The second-hand watch market is vibrant and increasingly influenced by fashion trends. Watch Specialist Kate Lacey notes that collectors are becoming more discerning, valuing both aesthetics and technical craftsmanship. For instance, a sleek Concord Delirium Mariner can be acquired for under £5,000, while whimsical designs like a Vacheron Constantin bracelet watch shaped like a shell sit alongside Cartier classics in the upcoming sale.

Notably, a rare Cartier London watch recently sold for £31,440, far exceeding its £10,000-15,000 estimate. This model, produced for just eight years between 1966 and 1974, exemplifies the potential for serious middle-market collectors to invest in high-quality timepieces. At a more accessible level, a Bvlgari Serpenti watch sold for £11,546 in June, significantly lower than its £20,000 retail price.

The Luxe Lane

Luxury accessories represent another area where auctions excel. With waiting lists for brands like Hermès stretching for years, Roseberys provides buyers with immediate access to rare, discontinued, and special-edition pieces. A highlight of the September auction is the Hermès Vert Céladon Himalaya Kelly, described as the “world’s rarest handbag.” This green ombré alligator model predates and inspired the now-iconic Himalayan and is no longer in production, with an estimated sale price of £60,000 to £80,000.

Sally He, Luxury Items Specialist at Roseberys, underscores the importance of authentication: “Qualified auction specialists can discern real from fake through stamps, hardware, zips, and packaging, amongst other details, protecting buyers and guaranteeing a legitimate investment.”

Conclusion

As the luxury market continues to evolve, auctions like those held by Roseberys offer a unique opportunity for collectors and investors to acquire exceptional pieces with rich histories and strong investment potential. The upcoming Jewellery auction on September 23 and the Watches and Luxury Items auction on September 24 are not to be missed. For those interested in exploring these exquisite offerings, the catalogues are available for browsing at roseberys.co.uk.