BECAUSE FASHION WAITS FOR NO ONE, THE BOUTIQUE BY HERITAGE OFFERS CHIC JEWELS AND STYLISH ACCESSORIES FOR IMMEDIATE PURCHASE
By Rhonda Reinhart
Throughout the year, Heritage presents auctions showcasing sought-after designer handbags and precious jewels that appeal to luxury lovers the world over. But for buyers interested in instant gratification, Heritage has The Boutique. “It’s our best-kept secret,” says Diane D’Amato, Heritage Auctions’ Director of Luxury Accessories, Private Sales & The Boutique. “We can source whatever your heart desires without having to wait for auction.”
The Boutique’s offerings change often but can include everything from store-fresh Hermès Birkins to a showstopping ruby cocktail ring and a vintage Cartier brooch. “We offer a similar selection of pieces in The Boutique that you would find in one of our various auctions but without the wait,” says Jessica DuBroc, Director of Fine Jewelry in Heritage’s New York office. “Our goal is to satisfy our sellers and build a loyal group of delighted buyers.”
Offering white glove service and overnight delivery, The Boutique can also make gift-giving a breeze, whether for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or just because.
Below, we’ve sussed out six more benefits of shopping The Boutique.
- There’s hidden treasure to be found.
“We try to select signed pieces hidden in people’s jewelry boxes that have not been on the secondary market yet,” says Vera Prather, also a Director of Fine Jewelry in Heritage’s New York office. “The most popular items remain well-priced Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari and other designer jewelry.” On the handbag front, D’Amato says she’s on the lookout for pristine, never-carried bags in the most desired styles and colors, with Hermès bags being the highest in demand. “Our most popular styles are the Mini Kelly, Birkin and 25cm Kelly,” she says.
- You can view before you buy.
“Typically, we can arrange for the potential buyer to view the Boutique piece in one of our regional offices,” Prather says. “We are also happy to arrange a meeting with a specialist should the client need more specific information about the item of interest.”
- You never know what you might find.
The Boutique’s curators like to keep things fresh, so they update their offerings regularly. Check back often to peruse an ever-changing selection of necklaces, bracelets, rings and more, plus an assortment of luxury handbags, accessories and, soon, watches and fine timepieces.
- The Boutique’s directors can also assist with private sales.
“If you are looking for a specific piece of jewelry or a watch, we will go on a treasure hunt and offer you a few options,” Prather says. “It will always be a private shopper experience without the price tag of Neiman Marcus or Saks.” The same goes for luxury handbags. “We consistently source bags for clients,” D’Amato adds. “Many of the bags I buy are sold prior to being placed on The Boutique.”
- When they say fast, they mean fast.
“A few seasons ago we were able to source a metallic Hermès Kelly for a client,” D’Amato says. “The transaction took place on the weekend, and we had the bag transported to the client same day although across the country.”
- There’s a bauble for every budget.
“We are flexible, whether the client has a modest budget or the sky is the limit,” DuBroc says. “We have something for everyone, whether it’s a simple gold band for under $1,000 or a 4.00-carat diamond for five figures.”
INQUIRIES
RHONDA REINHART is editor of Intelligent Collector.