How a luxury auction works, from estimate to hammer
Catalogue, viewing, registration, bidding, payment: a calm walk through the life of a lot at a sale of jewellery, watches or art.
Auctions
How sales work, record results and a calm checklist for bidders.
The auction room is where value is tested in public. We explain how a luxury sale works from catalogue to hammer, look at the jewels and watches that set records, and give first time bidders a calm checklist so the excitement of the room never decides the price.
Record breakers: the jewels and watches that made auction history
A pink diamond, a blue diamond, two famous watches and a film star’s jewellery: what record sales reveal about rarity, story and provenance.
Bidding like a professional: an auction checklist
Set your limit, read the small print, ask the right questions. A calm checklist for first time and occasional bidders at jewellery, watch and art sales.
Try it yourself
Auction Price Calculator
From hammer price to total cost, or from budget to your highest bid.
Continue the tour
More rubrics
- JewelleryTiaras, pearls and signet rings: the pieces that carry a family’s history.
- WatchesComplications, etiquette and the long road from pocket to wrist.
- CoutureHaute couture, royal wedding dresses and the craft of bespoke tailoring.
- CollectiblesWatches, royal memorabilia and the paper trail that makes objects valuable.
- Luxury BrandsHeritage houses, royal warrants and the codes of quiet luxury.
- Royal FamiliesDynasties, coronations and the jewels that pass between generations.
- ArtRoyal collections, attribution and how to start collecting.
- GemstonesThe 4Cs, the great coloured stones and the largest diamond ever found.
- AteliersGoldsmiths, hallmarks and the watchmaker’s bench.