In ancient civilizations, auctions made it possible to sell precious goods to amateurs offering the best price. Inevitably, it was necessary to have large financial means to become a successful bidder . Fortunately, things have changed. Although the sale is always won by the highest bidder, it is now accessible to all budgets.
The term candle sell is sometimes used. This is because traditionally a candle is lit when auctions for a lot open. As soon as the candle is consumed, it is no longer possible to bid higher. Whoever made the best offer before the candle has completely melted wins the prize.
What is the difference between classic auction and jewelry auction?
You should already know that in both cases, the auction is public. This means that everyone is free to participate and to become a buyer for the different lots put up for auction.
The classic sale makes no distinction between lots . We therefore find a bit of everything: silverware, engravings, necklaces, statuettes… This eclecticism goes hand in hand with the diversity of the values of the lots which can be precious or not, rare or relatively common.
For its part, the jewelry auction focuses on well-defined types of objects. As you will have understood, there are exclusively jewels there. However, these have different characteristics that will influence their value and therefore the price at which they will be sold.
How does a jewelry auction take place?
Well before the day of the sale, the jewels are entrusted to experts who will study them individually. This makes it possible to identify the characteristics of each part but also to establish an estimated price
Following this expertise , the auction house lists the jewelry in a catalog accessible to the general public. Photos, descriptions and price estimates are then mentioned in this document. It is necessary to consult it carefully in order to identify the jewels on which you will potentially bid during the upcoming sale.
In addition, the auction house organizes an exhibition some time before the jewelry auction. It is highly recommended to attend to get a better idea of the value of the lots based on their condition, design and other characteristics that do not necessarily appear on the catalog photos.
From the moment the auction is declared open by the auctioneer, the notary or any public officer authorized to animate/manage the session, the participants are put in competition. The lots are presented one by one. The starting price is announced and the bidding begins.
Having previously consulted the catalog and attended the exhibition, you can choose not to show any interest in the jewelery you do not plan to acquire. Conversely, you can raise your hand or the sign that was provided to you at the entrance to express your wish to raise the stakes.
What can you find at a jewelry auction?
These sales open up numerous acquisition opportunities, for both men and women. In particular, you can participate in jewelry auctions at HDV Nice .
Ring
The ring has always been a piece of jewelry with a certain symbolism. The signet ring, for example, was a sign of power, wealth or power before becoming an accessory associated with elegance. Wedding rings are used to seal a union, especially a marriage.
However, it is quite possible to wear a ring for the pleasure of dressing the finger with an exceptional jewel, even a luxury like Chopard for example. Like its history, the ring is presented in all its variations in jewelry auctions. Viking signet rings, classic rings, alliances, solitaires, pieces of jewelry… await you in the auction rooms.
Earring
This type of jewelry, which is mainly worn by women but which also finds fans among men, is just as frequently sold at specialized auctions. Metals such as gold and silver are worked alone and/or set with stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls… Read the descriptions carefully to better understand the specificities of the earrings and their styles ( BCBG, classic, bohemian jewelry etc).
Take advantage of the exhibition to properly assess the studs, chips, clips or earrings that initially caught your attention. You will be able to draw up a list of the jewels that best correspond to your personality or that of the person to whom you plan to offer them.
Bracelet
Sometimes slender to dress the wrists with a touch of delicacy, sometimes voluminous to match assertive temperaments, bracelets regularly feature in jewelry auction catalogs. They are generally fashioned in yellow gold or white gold, without excluding other precious metals.
Goldsmiths and jewelers have often collaborated to create the rare bracelets that are sold to the highest bidder. This results in pieces of exceptional beauty that have retained their original charm even though several years, even centuries, have passed since they left the workshop.