When buying jewellery at an auction, you can take your pick of a variety of styles, sizes, and price ranges. You can also find unusual gemstone and material combinations that are hard to find anywhere else. While many retail outlets have extensive catalogues, they often do not stock unusual, antique, or vintage pieces. However, auctions offer the best selection of jewellery of all styles and price ranges.
Before going to an auction, make sure you know what you want. Do some research on what you are looking for, as well as what you can afford. It’s not a good idea to go to the vendor unprepared; this can result in frustration and disappointment. It’s also important to prepare a budget, as you’ll need to know the maximum you’re willing to spend. Be sure to also calculate the buyer’s premium. This way, you’ll know what to bid for and will be able to avoid buying anything that is too expensive for your budget.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time deciding on a price, consider purchasing an auction piece that comes with a certificate from a professional lab. Most of the time, these items will come with a condition report that you can examine in person. Christie’s also offers free valuation services and confidential buying and selling services.
