At Joshua Kodner Galleries, we’re often asked what the best items to sell at auction are. While the simple answer is anything of value, the more complex answer goes deeper than that. Antiques, fine artwork, and classic jewelry see the best returns at an auction most of the time. If you’re managing the estate for a deceased loved one and wondering which items of theirs would be worth auctioning, we can assist with hosting an estate sale. Otherwise, the following is a primer on which types of items typically sell well at auctions.
Precious Gemstones And Jewelry
Jewelry featuring precious gems such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, alexandrite, and rubies tend to see high sale prices at auctions. Whether adorned on the neck, ears, fingers, or wrists, gemstone jewelry has always symbolized wealth, power, and beauty. In some cultures, particular gems like amethyst or jade were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Renowned brands such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, and Bulgari are celebrated for their exquisite gemstone collections, often seen at high-end auctions. Alongside gold jewelry, which remains precious with prices nearing $2,000 an ounce, platinum and silver jewelry featuring rare gems can also be highly valuable. An experienced jewelry auction appraiser can help you evaluate your gemstone jewelry and find the optimal selling venue for it.
Browse our premier fine jewelry collection to discover the types of pieces that are highly sought after by auction houses
Antique and Luxury Watches
Luxury and antique watches can be excellent items to sell at an auction. However, age alone isn’t always the primary factor that fetches high prices. Instead, watches that were once owned and worn by celebrities or those adorned with precious gems such as diamonds tend to drive up the price. Renowned brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet often see competitive bidding, especially if the pieces are rare or have unique features. Additionally, watches with historical significance or limited-edition releases are highly coveted among collectors. Consider having these timepieces appraised to understand their true value before selling.
Read about the investment value of Patek Philippe watches to learn how certain luxury timepieces can appreciate significantly over time.
Fine Art
Fine artwork is another area that usually does very well at auctions. You’d be shocked at how many rare paintings can be found at thrift stores and garage sales. Some older homes throughout the country have had the same paintings on the walls for decades or even centuries. Paintings are one of the first things you should have professionally appraised should you come upon them when going through a loved one’s possessions, since you never know what they might go for. Renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet are highly sought after by collectors. Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold at a 2017 auction for nearly half a billion dollars! While a painting you come across probably won’t sell for quite that much, it can still be extremely valuable, especially to collectors and appreciators of fine art.
Ceramics, Pottery, and Sculptures
Ceramics, pottery, and sculptures are highly sought after items that can achieve impressive prices at auctions. Pieces created by renowned artists or originating from specific historical periods tend to attract significant interest from collectors. For example, ceramics by Pablo Picasso, pottery from the Ming Dynasty, and sculptures by Auguste Rodin are known to fetch high prices. Additionally, contemporary artists such as Grayson Perry have also seen their ceramic works become highly valuable. When dealing with Chinese porcelain and ceramics, pottery, or sculptures, it’s essential to have them professionally appraised to understand their true market value.
Sports Memorabilia
Sports memorabilia, especially when signed by a famous athlete, can fetch high prices at auctions. Older items, due to their rarity and the difficulty in maintaining their condition, are particularly valuable. Memorabilia encompasses a wide variety of items including vintage trading cards, autographed equipment like baseballs or jerseys, advertisement signs, pennants, old programs, and even stadium seating. Noteworthy items from specific events, such as a World Series game or a Super Bowl, also hold significant value. If you come across any such memorabilia, have it appraised before disposing of it or giving it away, as it could be worth a substantial amount of money.
Toys & Comic Books
Antique toys and comic books typically see high returns at auction. Toys from the 1960s and earlier have many collectors and can sell for a great price, especially if an item is rarer and still in good shape. Comic books can also be valuable, especially if they’re still in mint condition.
Other items that often fetch a good sale price at auction include classic vehicles, Early Chinese & Other Asian Antiques, historical memorabilia, old advertising displays, and rare coins.
About Joshua Kodner Galleries
Joshua Kodner Galleries is an auctioneer, gemologist, and appraiser based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Our family has been in the auction house business since the 1940s, and we can help those looking to hold a jewelry auction or fine art auction get the most for these items. When selling items at auction, we’re second to none.
Joshua Kodner is a certified gemologist and a graduate of the Gemologist Institute of America (GIA). His specialties are diamonds and colored stones. Additionally, he is an accredited member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and an experienced art appraiser with expertise in Chinese fine art and other Asian works of art. Contact us today and let us professionally help you determine the value of your property.
