6 examples of fine ‘bling and bags’ that’ll stop you in your tracks

This quote by Ms. Dello Russo may very well apply to collecting as well. Indeed, that’s the case when it comes to collecting items such as handbags and jewelry. As Noah Fleisher, author of Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles, explains in his introduction to the Luxury Items chapter of the 2019 edition of Warman’s: “The market for vintage, high-end luxury accessories is one of the hottest markets in the world right now.”

Expounding on that sentiment, in the same article, is Matt Rubinger. He is at the helm of the Luxury Accessories category for Heritage Auctions.

“This is an emerging market, and there are tremendous opportunities for collectors of all levels and all ages,” Rubinger says. “Know what you want, know where to find it, and go after the very best examples you can afford, whether it’s $100 or $100,000.”

Looking ahead to March 25 and 26, Heritage Auctions will bring forth a double-header of powerful appeal for anyone with a fascination for accessories, specifically designer handbags and fine vintage and contemporary jewelry. I thought I’d do a little virtual window shopping, purely for the purpose of reporting my findings to you. (*wink - nod). My guess is after you see the six items that caught my attention, you’ll want to make your way over to Heritage Auctions’ website (www.ha.com) to see what’s what for yourself. 

This modern limited edition Barenia Leather & Osier Wicker picnic bag by Hermes is delightfully uncommon. It features palladium hardware, which I think is a subtly stunning touch. This bag measures 14 inches wide by 10 inches high by 5 inches deep and carries an estimate of $30,000 to $40,000 into the auction.

Spectacular. From the Ceylon alexandrite gem at its center, oval in shape, to the 16 hexagon-shaped diamonds surrounding it, this ring is timeless in design and appeal. This ring is set in platinum and has a gross weight of 18.80 grams. It has an estimate of $75,000 to $100,000.

I couldn’t help but stop on this uncommon and delicious metallic gold mirrored vinyl sac plat bag by Louis Vuitton. It measures 14 inches wide by 15 inches high by 3 inches in depth, and it carries an estimate of $800 to $1,200 into the auction.

There is something so fascinating about being able to see the inner workings of objects, which is one reason my eyes stopped on this gold skeleton watch by Bvlgari. The 18k gold watch with black “Baton” hands, includes sapphire crystals in addition to its transparent back. This operation timepiece heads into the auction with an estimate of $5,000 to $7,000.

One of the first thoughts that came to my mind when I spotted this studded travel wallet: What an excellent conversation-piece accessory! I appreciate the not-quite matte appearance of the leather, which provides an enchanting landscape for the inclusion of gold-tone rockstud hardware. This wallet from Valentino comes into the sale with an estimate of $600 to $800

Every object has a story to tell. Sometimes we are privy to those stories, other times we receive the gift of being able to add to a legacy of stories when we become the steward of the piece, and still, other times we merely catch a glimpse of something breathtaking and think about the where, when, and who associated with it. Regardless, the stories are part of what fuels our collecting passion, don’t you think? That’s what came to mind when I saw this antique aquamarine, diamond, and silver-topped gold and silver bracelet. Oh, what stories it must possess! It has an estimate of $1,000 to $2,000.

View the entire March 25 Spring Luxury Accessories Signature Auction catalog >>> and the March 26 Spring Fine Jewelry Signature Auction >>>.

For more information about Heritage Auctions and other upcoming and past auctions, visit www.ha.com.