Whatever your whisky love story is, we’re curious: how do you choose your drink? Are you team tested-and-trusted, or, are you open to trying new brands?  If you’re in the latter category, how do you decide what new brand to try out? Do you just glance through the label and follow your gut? Or are you drawn more by what your eyes can see?

While there may be no right or wrong way to make a decision, Sotheby’s has a guide that can give you an idea of what a bottle of whisky would taste like even before it hits your tongue. And even if you belong to the tried-and-trusted gang, it does not hurt to know that, should you decide to be more adventurous in the future, there is a foolproof guide to making the best decision quickly.

Now that that’s out of the way, here’s what to know

Whisky or whiskey? The spelling matters!

Not in a pedantic sort of way. However, there is a difference that is beyond the spelling. If it’s American or Irish, it’ll be ‘whiskey’. If it’s from Scotland, Canada or Japan, that will be ‘whisky.’

But the difference doesn’t end there. American and Scottish whiskeys are distilled twice while their Irish cousins go through distillation three times. That’s why they are also so smooth and buttery-soft.

Location too!

Of course, where a drink comes from determines how it tastes. The originating region influences the style, flavour and colour of every whisky. There are three classic regions in this regard: Scotland, Ireland, and America. All scotch comes from Scotland (of course) and must have been aged for at least three years. Irish whiskey is made from malted or unmalted barley and is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a characteristically smooth taste.

Whiskey from America’s South – which by the way is referred to as Bourbon –  is notable for its slight sweetness and richness and is made from a mash containing at least 51% corn, aged in charred wooden barrels (cypress or oak) and bottled at no less than 80% proof.

Japan is another notable player in the world of whiskies, although it does not have a long provenance like the other regions. The Asian country produces scotch-inspired whiskies that tend to be lighter (both in flavour and colour) with a slightly fruity taste.

Casks are important …

Casks are a crucial part of whisky production, as they are used in its storage and maturation. The type of wood used, and how said wood is treated imparts a distinct flavour on this deliciously golden liquid.

Casks are traditionally made from oak sourced from Europe and America, and in the United States, they are charred to remove traces of previous use and imbue the fluid with a rich flavour. Once the whisky is distilled (in a large device called a potstill), it’s poured into these wooden vessels for maturation. The length of time spent in the cask is noted on bottles as the whisky’s age.

Also, whisky distillers may state whether the casks are ‘first-fill’ or ‘refill’. A ‘first-fill’ cask is one that has never been used and will therefore transfer the most flavour from wood to spirit. A refill is just what it sounds like – a previously used cask. Refills are often used to balance and adjust mellowness in whiskeys initially seasoned in first-fills.

Sherry-seasoned casks are also commonplace, the wood imbuing a mild flavouring of the sweet wine to the whisky.

… As are the ABV and age of the particular bottle you’re looking to purchase

ABV, alcohol by volume, tells you what percentage of alcohol each whisky contains, while age indicates the amount of time the whisky spent maturing in the cask.

The average ABV for whiskies is 40-50 per cent. Scotch, by law, must have a minimum ABV of 40 per cent, while special ‘expressions’ ( whisky-speak for limited variations, or special editions) often boast of higher percentages. Special expressions are typically stronger, more complex in taste and, in some cases, bottled directly from the cask with no added water.

Some whiskies spend their entire lives in a single cask, with distillers regularly tasting to achieve the right flavours. However, the usual method is to move them from cask to cask during the maturation cycle to balance or shift their flavours. Age corresponds to a whiskey’s richness: the longer the maturing process, the longer the flavours have to develop. This doesn’t mean that younger vintages aren’t flavourful, but typically, they will likely be less complex.

And finally, mash, peat and smoke

You’re more likely to hear the word ‘mash’ from distillers than you are to see it on a bottle of whisky. Mash is the mixture of grains used to create the whiskey, with malted barley being the most typical grain used. There’s also corn and rye, and, depending on the region and variation, wheat.

Peat is primarily used in Scotch whiskey from the Northern Isles. It typically refers to a distinct, earthy, smoky flavour that is achieved when peat is used to dry malted barley as part of the whisky’s production. The length and intensity of exposure to the peat smoke will determine just how smoky the final product will be.

And there you have it. So, the next time you want to try a new bottle of whisky, maybe instead of trusting your gut, thoroughly read the label to make the right decision for you.

Source: Sotheby’s

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For now, it is just that – rumours, since neither house has confirmed its authenticity. While no one expects them to, it makes sense that both auction giants are desperate to get their hands on the collection. For starters, history has it that during her lifetime, Ms Landau was able to amass at least 1,500 works of art, of which she donated 367 to the Whitney Museum in 2010 where she had been a trustee for years. Therefore, there would be at least more than 500 pieces of artwork to auction, assuming her family does not wish to part with all of them at this time.

But even more important is the fact that the Emily Fisher Landau collection boasts of rare and highly sought-after works from some of the industry greats, including Andy Warhol (who did a silk screen portrait of her), Georgia O’Keeffe, Cy Twombly and Mark Rothko. Experts estimate the collection could sell for $375 million to $500 million, especially if it includes Picasso’s Femme à la Montre (Woman with a Watch), a painting nearly five feet tall from 1932, considered to be his breakout year.

And herein lies the crux of the matter.

Since 2020, art has enjoyed big sales and renewed interest. Of course, as with other discretionary goods, sales have cooled alongside global economies. Per Artnet, the big three auction houses – Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips – have seen a 51 per cent dip in total sales year-over-year. Not even Christie’s sale of the Gerald Fineberg collection in May could save it: the anticipated auction sold for a total of $153 million, not quite hitting its $163 million to $235 million estimate.

This is not the first time Christie’s and Sotheby’s would face off against each other — rivalry between both houses is as old as their histories. And while it appears that most of it is anchored in their desire to be the auction house that can provide collectors with what they want when they want it, this current rivalry seems to have its roots in the unimpressive performance of the art market, which is usually more fickle than others in the discretionary product niche.

While we await the winner in this round of competition, it is safe to ask: is buying art a good investment? As with art itself, this question is subjective, with no straightforward answers. However, one indisputable fact stands out from the unfolding drama: investing in art can be rewarding, but only if it is done right. And part of doing it right is understanding what makes a work of art valuable and collectable; buying original, rare pieces at the right time, and, letting go of them when the time is right.

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The primary source of colours in jewellery is gemstones, but unless you’re glueing them on top of each other or somehow stringing them along, there has to be some form of metal included in the piece. This is where metals like palladium, gold, silver, platinum, titanium and tungsten come in. Combining them with gemstones like diamonds, amethyst, tanzanite, emeralds and malachite to create fine jewellery pieces that do not look tacky is a highly skilled art, one that Bulgari has clearly perfected over the years.

Bulgari, like many other premium jewellery houses, started to really use colourful gemstones in the 1950s. However, it was a late entrant into this trend, considering the fact that Maisons like Cartier had already started experimenting with coloured high jewellery pieces in the 1920s which was when it debuted its signature ‘Tutti Frutti’ style. At around the time it started employing coloured stones in its designs, Bulgari perfected and launched its unique cabochon cut. This signature cut allowed it to render the gemstone fully smooth and curved, resembling one half of a ball or oval, a style that brings to mind the stately domes that mark Rome’s skyline.

The colours in Bulgari’s high jewellery collections come from gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires, and also from lesser-known but just as intriguing stones such as rubellites, chalcedony and Paraiba tourmalines. However, emerald appears to be the stone most associated with the brand, with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor making pieces constructed with this particular gemstone popular.

Bulgari’s magic with emeralds was even captured in a documentary. Titled Inside the Dream, the movie charts the entire journey of how the Magnifica Hypnotic Emerald necklace was created — from the beginning when it was a sketch to the end when actress Zendaya wore it to the premiere of Dune at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival. Part of the Magnifica high jewellery collection that was unveiled the same year, the necklace features a 93.83-carat emerald from Jaipur, India, in the house’s signature cabochon cut. It resembles a snake and is set with diamonds and emeralds, perhaps as a homage to the Serpenti line, with the star emerald nestled between the head and tail of the snake.

Bulgari also developed expertise in using turquoise inlays, a particularly impressive technique when used for the above Serpenti creation, as each piece of turquoise has to be consistent in colour and tone and cut precisely to fit each of the scales that make up the Serpenti body. The striking blue hue of the turquoise inlays makes for an effective counterpart to the sparkling white diamonds.

Then there are the tradition-defying Serpenti pieces that feature gemstones that were cut and polished into beads, instead of the tubogas coil from the very first Serpenti pieces, or the intricate scales from the later designs. One such design has more than 300 carats of rubellite beads, with each bead cut and polished till glossy and consistent in colour – further proof of Bulgari’s expert craftsmanship with gemstones. Another one features chalcedony beads, with the light pastel blue of the chalcedony matched with red tourmaline beads and amethyst beads.

Bulgari’s last high jewellery collection was Eden, the Garden of Wonders. Again, colourful gemstones made an appearance in skillfully-constructed jewellery pieces like the Mediterranean Reverie necklace with a 107.15-carat cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphire at the centre; the Giardino dell’Eden Tourbillon cuff timepiece whose 6,500 gemstones includes  Paraiba tourmalines, emeralds, opals and rubies, and, the Emerald Venus necklace which gets its inspiration from the Capelvenere, a Mediterranean fern. Its diamond branches set with glossy emerald beads surround a 20-carat Colombian octagonal-cut emerald.

The jewellery Maison may yet drop another high jewellery collection this year and while there are no details on what it may be, here’s one thing that is almost certain: it will be just as colourful, intricate, beautiful and skillfully put together as its predecessors.

Source: Sotheby’s

The post Uncovering Bulgari’s Mastery of Colourful High Jewellery first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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If you’ve been trying to get your hands on a Hermès Birkin with no success, you should absolutely check out these other bag models from the French luxury goods brand. According to Sotheby’s, these are the ten most iconic Hermès handbags that should be on your radar – or your wrists.

The Hermès Birkin: Timeless and most coveted

Of course, the Birkin tops the list any day, any time.

The story of its conception has been told so many times that it is not worth repeating. What you should know is that its most popular sizes are the Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, and Birkin 40 (the original size). You already know that getting your hands on a brand-new Birkin is as easy as the proverbial passage through the eye of the needle. So, if you do not have the time, patience (and you are going to need bucket loads of this) and connections for one, you may want to take the path less travelled of getting a pre-loved piece.

But don’t worry, there are so many good ones out there that no one would know the difference, you inclusive.

The Hermès Kelly: Sophisticated classic

This cousin – or should we say elder sister – of the Birkin was the ‘it’ bag before it was usurped. Named for the actress-turned-princess, Grace Kelly, it was initially called the Sac-à-Dépêches in the 1930s following a redesign by Robert Dumas.

The Kelly bag comes in two styles – Kelly Sellier and Kelly Retourne. The differences are the stitching and the edges: a Kelly Sellier has visible stitching and a pointy edge, while the stitching on the Kelly Retourne is not visible and its edges are soft. A Sellier is a more structured, rigid bag thanks to the hard leathers artisans use to craft this Hermès purse. A Retourne is created using softer leathers, giving it a more casual look, and allowing it to fit slightly more than a Sellier.

This Hermès comes in different sizes as well, including the smaller Kelly 15 and the Kelly 20; the medium Kelly 35 and the larger Kelly 50.

The Hermès Constance: Simple and luxurious design

If you’re not about trends or popularity, this is the bag for you.

The Constance – named after its designer’s daughter – is a versatile bag worn comfortably over the shoulder and secured with the simple and functional “H” clasp. In addition to the standard Constance 24, this bag comes in mini and micro models as well as a rectangular model called the “Elan.” The micro contains only one interior compartment, but buyers of other sizes have the option of a single or double interior compartment.

Like the Birkin and Kelly, the Constance comes in many material and hardware combinations.

The Hermès Picotin: Equestrian-inspired bucket bag

Hermès references its origins with the Picotin, whose name is the French word for the measure of feed given to a horse. The wide, round shape of the bucket bag allows you to fit all your necessities with ease, and the lock closure provides a sophisticated accent.

This Hermès bag comes in soft, grained leather that gives the bag a timeless look or in canvas with leather accents, providing a sportier feel. The Picotin leather also features a variety of colours with either palladium or gold hardware. This bag is perfect for someone who needs a casual, simple bag for an on-the-go lifestyle.

The Hermès Evelyne: Equestrian Essential Turned Luxury Bag

Another bag with strong equestrian roots, the Evelyne has perforations that form an “H” on one side, which hint at the bag’s original function: to transport horse grooming equipment. These perforations allow air to circulate the bag, drying wet combs, brushes, and picks.

The ventilated side was meant to be worn against the equestrian’s body; however, now that the bag is considered a luxury good, the perforations are worn facing outwards. The Hermès Evelyne bags come in four generations – Generation I, Generation II, Generation III, and the Evelyne Sellier. Generation I does not have an adjustable strap or an exterior pocket. Generation II also lacks the adjustable strap but has an exterior pocket. Generation III has both an adjustable strap and an exterior pocket, making it the most functional Evelyne. The Sellier is the Evelyne reimagined: the perforations have been removed and replaced with a diamond-shaped “H” printed on the front of the bag. Generation III and the Sellier are the only two models still being produced.

This very casual, yet utterly stylish bag comes in four sizes: Evelyne 16 (formerly TPM), Evelyne 29 (formerly PM), Evelyne 33 (GM) and Evelyne 40 (formerly TGM).

The Hermès Garden Party: Accessible yet versatile tote

This Hermès purse can be made from leather or canvas with leather accents for a beachy, casual feel. The bag can be secured with a snap closure located at the top of the tote. Clou de Selle snap closures on either side of the bag can be used to change the shape of the tote and provide extra space.

The Garden Party comes in a variety of colours and four sizes: Garden Party 30, Garden Party 36, Garden Party 39, and Garden Party 49 Voyage. This is one of the most practical Hermès handbags, given how easy it is to use and the amount of interior room it provides. The Garden Party’s lower price point and durability make it one of the more accessible Hermès bags, ideal for those looking to make their first Hermès purchase.

The Hermès Lindy: relaxed and casual

Named after the Lindy Hop, a famous American dance from the 1920s, this bag was designed for comfort and movement. The perpendicular handles allow it to sit naturally on the wearer while the optional shoulder strap makes it more versatile. The handle positioning causes the centre of the bag to droop. This purse has two exterior pockets positioned on either end and two zip closures sit on top. The Lindy is secured by a clou de selle touret lock closure and comes in a few sizes: Lindy Mini, Lindy 26, Lindy 30, Lindy 34, and Lindy 45.

The Hermès Bolide: Travel in style

The Bolide’s sleek design was intended for top drivers and world travellers, while its trapezoidal shape fits easily into sports cars or luggage. The zip closure was discovered by Hermès CEO, Emile-Maurice Hermès while touring Henry Ford’s factory in America. There, he was struck by the zipper device he saw on the cloth top of a car, and, upon his return to France, zipper patent in tow, he created two bag models: le sac pour l’auto, which is now the Bolide, and a more minimalistic version called the 1923.

The Bolide has two major styles – the Mou and the Rigide. The Mou is made using soft leather, allowing it to slouch with use while the Rigide is studier and maintains its form over time. In terms of style, you have  Bolide Mini, Bolide 27, Bolide 31, Bolide 35, and Bolide 45. The Bolide 45 is an ideal travel bag while the smaller Bolides are suitable for daily use.

The Hermès Jypsière: Crossroads of Sporty and Glamorous

Introduced in 2008 by Creative Director Jean Paul Gaultier, the Jypsiere is a small, highly functional bag that can be worn on your shoulder or as a crossbody. A mix of Hunting bag and Birkin, the Jypsiere is elegant and luxurious without feeling static. This messenger bag features a frontal flap closure secured with a lock and a thick, adjustable shoulder strap. The interior features several compartments, allowing the wearer to keep her necessities organized with ease. Sizes include Jypsiere 28, Jypsiere 31, Jypsiere 34, and Jypsiere 37.

The Hermès Herbag: Approachable bag for everyone

The Herbag is one of Hermès’ most accessible bags thanks to its largely canvas construction. The top flap is made from thick, durable leather and features the clou de selle closure while its body is made entirely of canvas or toile. The top can be detached from the body, allowing for the wearer to mix and match Herbags. This Hermès purse, which also came in a backpack version, has been compared to the Kelly because of its elegant, classic style.

The Herbag was discontinued in the mid-2000s and was reintroduced in 2009 as the Herbag Zip. This newer version features an external pocket, a zip pocket, and an interior removable pouch. Both versions have handles and a strap and come in a few sizes: Herbag TPM, Herbag Zip 31, Herbag 39, Herbag Cabine 50, and Herbag Zip 52.

Source: Sotheby’s

The post The Top 10 Iconic Hermès Handbags You Should Know first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Top 10 Iconic Hermès Handbags You Should Know appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

If you are an art collector looking to add more interesting, historical pieces to your collection, then the Pablo Picasso auction by American hotel chain, MGM Resorts, should be the place to be.

The decision to sell its Picasso collection is a move on MGM’s part to restructure its public-facing art collection and focus on presenting works by more diverse artists. Ari Kastrati, MGM Resorts’ chief hospitality officer, said in a statement that the decision is part of a broader strategy to give “a greater voice to artists from under-represented communities.”

Highlights from the collection include Picasso’s portrait of his early muse, Marie-Thérèse Walter. Titled Femme au beret (1938), the painting depicting a young blonde-haired Marie-Thérèse is expected to fetch $20 million.

Other top examples from the offering include two large-scale, late-period portraits – Homme et enfant (1969–70) and Buste d’homme (1969–70). Together, the paintings are expected to fetch at least $30 million. Each was included in the artist’s expansive 1973 exhibition at the Palais des Papes in Avignon, France. A still-life painting titled Nature morte au panier de fruits et aux fleurs (1942) is estimated at $10 million–$15 million.

The auction will take place as a live-streamed evening event at the Las Vegas iconic Bellagio hotel. Eleven Picasso artworks from the MGM collection – which also includes a wide range of the artist’s works on paper and experiments in ceramics, spanning from 1917 through 1969 – will be on display. The event will be facilitated by Sotheby’s and will mark the first time the auction house has ever held a sale of major works in the U.S. outside of its New York headquarters.

Highlights from the auction’s offerings will go on public view at the auction house’s York Avenue headquarters from September 7–12 and then travel to Taipei and Hong Kong before making its final stop at the hotel’s Bellagio art gallery ahead of the evening sale at the end of October.

Source: Artnews

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Its authors, in a recent interview, picked out seven that topped the list. The cars were chosen for their rarity and exclusivity – the majority were either used as racing cars or “homologated” from racing cars – meaning they were produced as part of the regulation process for motorsport sanctioning bodies. In both cases, only a limited number would have been produced.

“These weren’t people cars; these were cars at the absolute cutting edge of technical possibilities,” said co-author Charlotte Fiell. “Every single car in the book was pioneering in its day.”

However, the authors point out that the locations of many historic cars are unknown, because sales are often kept behind closed doors, and many private collectors keep the contents of their collections a secret.

“We hope to shed new light onto this whole world of car collecting,” explains second co-author Peter Fiell. “We really wanted to share the beauty and stories of these wonderful vehicles with a wider audience,” added Charlotte Fiell.

Read on for Charlotte and Peter Fiell’s pick of the seven ultimate collector cars:

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B MM Spider, 1938

For Italian automotive company Alfa Romeo, 1938 was a key season because it marked the company’s return to motor racing, after several years of disbandment, and the launch of the Alfa Corse team. It was also the last year when Ferrari headed the in-house works team.

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B MM Spider was the racing car designed for this season, with five produced for the Mille Miglia event.

“It is generally considered the most collectible pre-war sports racing car of all time,” said Peter.

This particular example is the car that was driven by race winner, Clemente Biondetti. It is owned by the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé”, 1955

The fastest road car of its day, the Uhlenhaut Coupé was designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut as a coupé version of the 300 SLR race car, which Stirling Moss drove to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.

The car was developed for the track but never competed because – following the Le Mans disaster that year, which involved the 300 SLR race car – Mercedes Benz withdrew from racing for the rest of that season. As a result, only two examples of the coupé were ever produced.

Both owned by the Mercedes-Benz Museum, these collector cars are distinctive for their ‘gullwing’ doors, which open upward and outward.

“This is arguably the most valuable car in the world, and it’s certainly the most valuable car in the book,” said Peter.

Ferrari 290 MM, 1956

“This is not only one of the most gorgeous Ferraris is of all time, it’s also one of the rarest,” said Peter, describing the 290 MM.

Only four of these cars were ever built. This particular example is the one that Argentinian driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, raced in the 1956 Mille Miglia, where the Scuderia Ferrari racing team enjoyed a 1-2-3-4 finish. However, this car placed fourth, when it was expected to win.

“Fangio, who may be considered the greatest racing driver that ever lived, didn’t fulfil his promise and probably felt he was letting Enzo Ferrari down,” said Peter.

Luckily for Fangio, he and the 290 MM went on to win the World Sportscar Championship later that year.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1957

With its low-slung aerodynamic form, the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was a controversial car. However, this lightweight body was key to the car’s competitiveness – not only did it reduce drag, but it also directed air to vents that cooled the brakes.

It retained the excellent handling and reliability of the very first Testa Rossa, built the year before, but was equipped with a more powerful V12 engine.

There were 34 of these cars produced. This particular example was the winner of the 1,000 Kilometres of Buenos Aires event in 1958, but is also distinctive for another reason.

“It’s a competition-winning Testa Rossa, but also it’s the only black one,” revealed Peter. “All the Ferraris are red, so it was particularly desirable to get this car in the book because it’s unusual in its colour.”

Shelby 427 Cobra S/C, 1966

Carroll Shelby had originally planned to race his 427 Cobra in the 1965 season, but as production was slow, he failed to meet the homologation rules that required 100 cars to be built.

Production was halted as a result, and 29 of the unused competition chassis were repurposed to create the 427 Cobra S/C (semi-competition). These street racers retained many of the race car features, including the riveted hood scoop, oil cooler, roll bar and side exhausts.

“If I could have any car in the book, I think it would be this one,” said Peter.

“It’s one of the most powerful, dangerous, visceral, road cars you can ever imagine. If you heard this thing, you wouldn’t believe it. It’s a beast.”

This example is one of the few that still remain in good condition; according to the authors, most have been “hammered into the ground” by their owners.

Lamborghini Miura P400 SVJ, 1971

The Miura P400 made headlines when it was first launched in 1965, as a result of its transversely mid-mounted 60° V12 engine, which was a huge innovation at that time. It later was given a curvaceous body, designed by Carrozzeria Bertone.

“There are a lot of people that think the Lamborghini Miura is the most beautiful supercar ever designed,” said Peter.

The model proved so successful that engineer Bob Wallace was able to convince company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini – who was famously reluctant to produce race cars – to develop a competition version of the car, the SV.

Although the car never made it to the track, it attracted the attention of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran and an avid car collector. Lamborghini built Pahlavi a modified version, known as the SVJ, which provided better performance and had a racier appearance. Another three were also produced, but this one remains the most collectible.

“You can say without a shadow of a doubt that this is the ultimate Miura,” said Peter.

McLaren F1 LM, 1995

A true supercar, the McLaren F1 sports car combines high-tech materials like carbon fibre and titanium with a central driving position ahead of the engine and fuel tank and distinctive butterfly doors.

“The McLaren F1 is still considered today to be one of the most important automotive designs in history, because of what it represented,” said Peter. “It set all sorts of precedents in terms of its design and engineering.”

After a race version of the F1 took four of the top five places at Le Mans in 1995, McLaren developed the LM variant, a road car that more closely resembled the track car than the original F1, thanks to race engines and weight-reduced interiors.

Only five of these F1 LMs were created, along with a single prototype known as the XP1 LM, which is the example featured here. It features a “papaya orange” finish, in tribute to Bruce McLaren’s original racing colours.

Source: Dezeen

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In a world where consumers are becoming ever more discerning and wanting quick gratification – not to mention digital-savvy – this sort of pivot from Sotheby’s (to complement its auction business) may just be the way forward in how we curate, purchase and consume luxury goods.

Buy Now, the new online platform, houses various product categories, from fine art to collectible sneakers, highly coveted exotic skin Hermes handbags to rare wines and spirits. There are also jewelry, time pieces, writing instruments and classic cars. In addition, Buy Now incorporates what was previously Sotheby’s Home, which featured furniture and decorative items from top designers.

“Our newest platform – the Buy Now marketplace – has been created to connect collectors with beautiful objects easily quickly and provides a complete luxury experience across fine jewels, contemporary art, collectible sneakers, watches, designer handbags, decorative objects, interiors and pens. The model is a fixed-priced format that complements our seasonal auction business, meaning that buyers can purchase items instantly at their convenience… Some highlights currently available include: a limited edition Patek Philippe World Time wristwatch, statement pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and David Webb, a Nike Lobster Dunk sneaker, an unusual Hermes Stromboli bag in alligator and plume de coq, as well as a selection of more than 100 pens from Montblanc and Montegrappa,” says Josh Pullan, Managing Director of Sotheby’s Luxury Division.

The platform showcases Sotheby’s network of art galleries all over the US which sell contemporary artworks for immediate purchase. It also accommodates consumers who are looking to offload their jewellery, watches and Hermes bags via a consignment program. Of course, submitted items will go through the auction house’s rigorous vetting process

You can start shopping on the Buy now platform here today.

Source: Forbes

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The colourful history of pink diamonds

Pink diamonds were first discovered in India during the early 17th century, in the Kollur mine within the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, which was part of the legendary Golconda kingdom. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French merchant and adventurer, first made a reference to pink diamonds around this time. In his travel book, Tavernier mentioned a very large pink rough diamond weighing over 200 carats, shown to him by Moghuls in the Kingdom of Golconda in 1642. This diamond, named ‘The Grand Table’ was valued at 600,000 rupees at the time and is still considered to have been the largest pink diamond recorded to date.

Since their discovery in the early 17th century, pink diamonds have also been mined in Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, Canada, Australia and, of course, Russia. It is thought that around 80% of the world’s pink diamonds now originate from the Argyle mine in Kimberley, Western Australia. Out of the mine’s 20 million-carat annual output, only 0.1% are classified as pink diamonds, attesting to their rarity.

Unlike white diamonds, coloured diamonds obtain their hues from chemical disturbances in the earth during their formation process. The varied colours originate from trace elements that interfere with the carbon crystal formation within the diamond. For example, the presence of nitrogen creates yellow diamonds, and boron forms blue diamonds. Curiously, there are no trace elements found in pink diamonds. Instead, the cause of the pink hue is thought to be caused by a distortion in the diamond’s crystal lattice, created by intense heat and great pressure after the stone’s formation in the earth. This distortion displaces many carbon atoms from their normal positions and alters the qualities of light reflected by the diamond – resulting in us observing the stone as pink.

As with other coloured diamonds, pink diamonds are graded on their colour by the Gemological Institute of America using the classing: Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid. Similarly, to other coloured diamonds, Fancy Vivid is the most sought-after colour. Given their rarity, it is unsurprising that the value of pink diamonds has increased considerably over the centuries. The current record for a pink diamond sold at auction is held by the ‘CTF Pink Star’, a 59.60-carat oval mixed-cut Fancy Vivid Pink, Internally Flawless diamond which was auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April 2017 for $71.2 million USD.

The CTF Pink Star is not only the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has ever graded, it also received the highest colour and clarity grades from the GIA for pink diamonds. Mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the 132.5-carat rough diamond was meticulously cut and polished over a period of two years and transformed into a stunning gemstone, thanks to Diacore.

So, what makes a red or pink diamond?

This is actually an impossible question to answer, as there is no impurity that causes its colour, only the evidence that these diamonds have a mutation within their crystal lattice that alters the stone’s molecular structure. With enough of these “defect centres,” the diamond may take on different properties. For example, the diamond could absorb a certain wavelength of green light, resulting in a pink appearance. Other colours, such as green, purple and orange, occur from natural radiation and other common elements within the Earth.

Source: Sotheby’s

The post This is Why Pink Diamonds are so Valuable first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post This is Why Pink Diamonds are so Valuable appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

This gift is actually a very wise decision. Remember our this story on how Birkin bags seemed to appreciate in value even during the global Coronavirus-induced lockdown? It stated that reports show that the secondary-market prices for Birkin bags went up, with Nikkei, one of the oldest second-hand luxury shops in Hong Kong, Milan Station, reporting a 30-percent increase in transactions of Birkin bags between March and April.

In the world of fashion, luxury items such as Birkin bags are known as investment pieces. Investment pieces are fashion items that transcend time and trends without losing their original value and even appreciating in financial value over time.

This means that regardless of the current price tag and the obvious fact that Kulture might be a bit too young to appreciate this invest now, her future self will definitely thank her parents later on in life for this really cute…and really good purchase.

So, how do you know that you own an ‘alternative’ investment piece, and what should you look out for if you are contemplating getting one?

1. They are timeless. They are not restricted to a particular year or season. They are styled or designed in such a way that years or even centuries from the date they were manufactured, they would still retain their value. Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces are examples of investment pieces.

2. They are valuable. While some have argued that investment pieces can be cheap – which they sometimes are – most items that end up in this category are usually luxurious, limited and expensive pieces of their day.

3. They involve great skill and creativity. And this point here is what can help you discern between a simply cheap item and one that will increase in value over time. Investment pieces are not made anyhow. They are always produced by highly skilled artisans who sometimes spend hours and hours of intense labour to create intricate and very unique designs.

4. They contain precious stones or metals. It will be surprising if a Cartier piece of jewellery containing diamonds, jadeite or some other precious stone loses its value over time especially when it has been kept in pristine condition.

5. They are made with long-lasting materials. They wouldn’t be timeless otherwise!

Finally, it is important to note that most investment pieces are deceptively simple, devoid of elaborate and ostentatious designs. And yet, they never fail to have an air of sophistication around them. So next time, when you go shopping, you may want to take an extra look at that ordinary-looking item so that you do not unconsciously walk away from what might be a very valuable piece in future!

The post American Rapper Offset Probably Took our Advice on Birkin Bags. first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post American Rapper Offset Probably Took our Advice on Birkin Bags. appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Unveiled on Monday, the Type 1 Slim “Ayrton & Finlay” was inspired by the winning design from the #WatchAgainstCovid19 competition put on by both firms in April. The winning model – which was envisioned by Raymond Ramsden of England and named for his two children – is set to hit the auction block for Sotheby’s Hong Kong ‘Important Watches’ sale with proceeds benefitting KU Leuven University’s Covid-19 Research Programme.

“When we first saw Raymond’s design, we gave it a few nicknames: the Mondrian-watch, the Super-Swatch®, the Lego®-watch, but the real watch is beyond any comparison: it stands out from anything I’ve seen so far in the watch world, both aesthetically and philosophically,” said Ressence founder, Benoît Mintiens, in a statement. “It is fresh and vibrant; it pops.”

An interpretation of a recent Ressence model, the Type 1 Slim, it has a polished titanium case and a dial featuring the many complications the maker is known for. And its bold color scheme isn’t merely meant to be visually arresting. Ramsden’s design celebrates human values and pays tribute to the dedication of key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic by using specific hues. For example, blue represents the medical staff and others instrumental in helping society get through the pandemic while red symbolizes human interaction and the importance of washing hands to limit the disease’s spread. The blue subdial represents our shared plant and the burst of yellow represents the sun at the center of our solar system.

“My Ressence journey began with a simple thought: ‘we are all in this together’”, Ramsden said in a press release. “When my humble design of global symbolism was chosen amongst hundreds of entries, I felt proud and excited to be a part of such a worthy and noble cause.”

This final design––tweaked only slightly from its original incarnation for production purposes––was selected from 466 submissions submitted over a period of three weeks between April 28th and May 12th. So far, it is estimated to fetch between $20,000 and $40,000 when bidding begins on July 11th.

Source: Robb Report

The post This Colourful Unique Ressence Watch will be Auctioned for Covid-19 Relief first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post This Colourful Unique Ressence Watch will be Auctioned for Covid-19 Relief appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.