While the quest for meaningful Christmas gifts can be a joyful one, there is an enchanting alternative to the usual high street shopping frenzy.
Exeter-based fine art auctioneers and valuers, Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, recently hosted its Silver, Jewellery and Luxury Items auction, introducing luxury and designer items to its well-established array of auctions. Here, you can bid on treasures like silk Hermes and Liberty scarves, vintage whiskeys, Louis Vuitton purses, handbags from renowned fashion houses, designer shoes, boxed Cartier pens, beautifully crafted lighters, Tiffany and Co. silver bangles, even designer dog collars and Rolex watches. These are gifts that effortlessly blend style and practicality.
When you buy at auction, you can be confident in the authenticity of your purchase, and it means you are offering a thoughtful and unique gift that may appreciate in value over time. Some of these items are rare, with limited quantities, making them unavailable as new purchases.
Speaking of unique finds, imagine stumbling upon a whiskey bottle labelled ‘1924, Glen Elgin Glenlivet, Pure Malt Scotch Whisky… matured in oak casks for 38 years'. It’s over a century old, and would undoubtedly make for an extraordinary gift and a captivating conversation piece during Christmas gatherings. There's something truly remarkable about molecules aged for over a century!
Jewellery is always a popular gift choice. These auctions feature a wide range of items, from classic diamond rings radiating timeless elegance to Rolex watches, sentimental lockets, and contemporary or designer pieces.
Whether you envisage presenting your loved one with a stunning art deco diamond cluster ring or gifting a pair of vintage pearl earrings that evoke the glamour of a bygone era, the possibilities are as endless as the sparkle of the gemstones themselves.
The silver section offers not only great gift options but also antique tableware that can be reimagined in a contemporary setting. Picture candlesticks casting a warm glow over holiday gatherings, a unique set of napkin rings, an espresso martini set, or meticulously crafted serving trays that transform Christmas dinners into culinary showcases.
The beauty of choosing silver as a gift lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in the lasting value it holds, it can become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.
Bidding at an auction may seem intimidating, but a good auctioneer, like Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood will make it accessible for everyone. Potential buyers can attend auctions in person or participate online, which gives you the flexibility to browse and bid from the comfort of your own home. The auction house offers expert guidance, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned collectors can navigate the world of luxury gifts with confidence.
Other regular auctions where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts include the Sporting & Collectors auction, where unique toys, Steiff bears, old rocking horses, boxed Corgi die-cast toy vehicles, vintage records, and train sets bring back lots of nostalgic memories. Then there’s the Antiquarian Book auction, where you can uncover some literary treasures. Auctions really can elevate your gift giving to a new level of uniqueness and luxury.
Christmas is a time when people yearn for a connection to the past, and vintage collectables provide just that. Unwrapping a carefully chosen silver masterpiece, a dazzling piece of jewellery, or a designer gem is not just a moment of joy - it's the creation of a cherished memory that will be treasured for years to come.
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