Overview
- On May 21 a 750‑gold designer hair spange by Sabine Samuel was appraised at €1,600–1,800 and sold for €2,000 after a competitive bid, while a late‑19th‑century necklace and bracelet made from South American jewel‑beetle elytra were dated c.1890–1900, estimated at €500–700 and sold for €700.
- On May 22 a hand‑forged iron padlock dated c.1680–1700 was valued at €400–600 because its locking mechanism did not work but still fetched €1,600 in the dealer room, and a Piper‑Heidsieck promotional champagne cooler (Jaime Hayon design, c.2006) was appraised at €130–180 and sold for €360.
- A pair of floral paintings attributed to Clara von Sivers drew expert doubt over the signature and received no offers from dealers, illustrating how questions of authenticity can kill a sale even when condition appears sound.
- The beetle‑shell jewellery provoked strong emotional and ethical reactions on camera, with experts noting the pieces are historically common but now judged differently because they incorporate animal parts, while sellers who expected small returns left surprised after higher‑than‑expected bids on several items.
- The two episodes underline the show’s dynamic: experts set values based on maker, material, condition and provenance but dealer appetite, rarity and willingness to assume restoration or authenticity risk often determine the final price.