Monte Carlo, Monaco —It was another round of applause for an Artcurial auction, a luxury auction that was held in the mythical Hôtel Hermitage of Monaco last January 16, 17 and 18. Jewelry, Watches of Collection for men and women and  Hermès and Luxury Bags brought in a total of 6,981,354 euros/574,596US$. Once again confirming that luxury is a safe bet and perhaps even a refuge investment.  The key here is that often what comes up on the auction block can no longer be found elsewhere and collectors are willing to pay top prices for well, whatever they want.  It was beneath the hammers of Stéphane Aubert et Geoffroy Ader that bids soared on line, in the room and on the good old fashioned telephone. 

F.P Journe’s Tourbillon Souverain Ruthenium went for US$398,422, slightly under its estimate, while in the women’s watch department a complete ensemble of 14 Rolex Oyster Perpetuals with steel straps was at the top of the list going for US$270,462. A mysterious brooch took the top spot in the high jewelry auction at US$355,267 while a Bulgari Serpenti necklace (pictured above) came in the second slot at US$255,636. Hermès hand bags were the big hit of the three-day auction  with a Kelly Sellier smooth alligator bag in emerald green, a special 2019 order, coming in ahead of the luxurious pack at US$ 59,766 , snapped up by an Australian collector. 

The Paris-based Artcurial was founded in 2002 and covers a wide variety of specialties including Fine Arts, Decorative Arts Collector Cars, Jewelry, Collector Watches and Fine Wines and Spirits. The house had total sales of 216.5 million euros in 2022 from its three points of sale: Paris, Monaco and Marrakesh. https://www.artcurial.com/en

The Gourmet Gazette Staff