Auction platforms: Antique objects are the luxury of tomorrow

The desire for sustainability and exclusivity leads to the boom in the auction platforms for antiques. We show where you bid best

Set up auction platforms, sustainable and unique
Source & Copyright by Sotheby's

Author: Julia Schindler

Online auction platforms for antiques are currently experiencing a boom. That the renaissance of antique pieces is led by young, trend-oriented millennials may sound contradictory, but it is not surprising. The 18th edition of the Bain & Company Luxury Study results in the following: By 2025 they will account for 45% of buyers of Luxury items Your next generation, Gen Z, should make up 2035% by 40 and thus - at that time - the largest share of buyers in the luxury segment. In doing so, they demand sustainable and socially responsible behavior - especially from brands in the high-end segment.

This new mentality leads to a redefinition of the concept of luxury. Sustainable investments instead of throw-away mentality, timeless instead of short-lived trends and a sense of responsibility for the environment and people instead of self-interested consumption. Products that meet all of these requirements? If Or in other words: furniture, Art or jewellery - they are antiques.

Related topics: Green Living Interior Design: Modern and conscious furnishing

Online auction platforms meet the needs of tomorrow's luxury consumers

Following the anti-movement against fast fashion, the need for more sustainable and ethical alternatives is also increasing at Fast Furniture. In addition to offline variants of action houses, online variants come into focus. Particularly on the rise: auction platforms on the Internet. This is because they react both to environmental awareness and to the media savvy of the trend-setting millennials.

This upswing manifests itself in studies of the traditional Christie's auction house or Barnebys, a search engine for art, antiques and collectibles. Already in 2018, for example, it announced that purchases of antique furniture were within 12 months by 32% had increased. Among other things, by the fact that the group of buyers expanded to younger bidders. A trend that has been steadily increasing ever since.

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Internet auction platforms disprove stereotypes

Contrary to the stereotype of the typically Swedish, inexpensive fast furniture interior of younger people, short-lived interior trends are becoming less important. Not only because of the obvious argument of the lack of sustainability, but also because timeless antiques are even offered at cheaper prices. This not only disproves another stereotype, namely that antique pieces are always expensive and elitist. In addition, this fact disarms the argument that fast furniture is consumed due to a lack of funds.

For example, Christie's is responding to this development by offering special sales for "first-time bidders" on the Internet. This means that pieces of furniture can be purchased that are more robust and of higher quality than those from Fast Furniture chains and that also have better prices. Win win.

Online auction platforms represent one of the most sustainable industries worldwide

According to the co-founder, Pontus Silfverstolpe, from Barnebys. In the sense of conscious consumers, the industry promotes the reduction of CO2 emissions as well as waste production and the idea of ​​the circular economy. In addition, the return to pre-owned - or much more pre-loved - furniture prevents mass production and thus the support of inhumane production facilities in emerging countries.

Story-telling and traditional craftsmanship expand the ideal value of the rarities and, while they are almost exceptional today, are a matter of course. What exactly is behind the pieces makes almost every online auction house understandable on its website.

These are our top auction houses on the Internet

Due to the precarious economic situation of the current time, the modern consumer not only demands more sustainability, but also security. Investments should be worthwhile, long-lasting and, if necessary, able to find a 2nd or 3rd life with new owners. However, the elitist art world can often appear mysterious and unsettling buyers. We will show you which auction platforms, in addition to offering fine antiques, also provide profound information and guarantee quality to enable you to make a conscious decision.

  1. Sotheby's
  2. Christie's
  3. from Ham
  4. Neumeister
  5. Lempertz

1. Sotheby's


A world-leading and the first international auction house for art and antiques - and that since 1744. Founded in London, the auction giant now has centers in over 40 locations such as New York, Paris, Geneva and Hong Kong. You can always bid online - with in-depth knowledge. Sotheby's online auction platform contains product descriptions, price estimates and the stories behind the antiques. In the case of known previous owners, exclusive insights into their backgrounds are also provided.

Whether Impressionist art, Biedermeier furniture, Bulgari jewelry or Travis Scott x Air Jorden sneakers - Sotheby's auctions rare and, above all, exclusive items. Due to the mixed assortment, which includes curated auctions for designer greats like Chanel or even contemporary sneakers, the traditional company positions itself as an optimal fit for millennials. And can always remain relevant as a representative of New Luxury.

2. Christie's

christies

Source & Copyright by Christies

The traditional house, founded in 1766 and headquartered in London, is one of the leading auction houses for art and antiques worldwide. Whether industry insider or art layman - everyone has probably heard the name in relation to the art trade business. No wonder: in 2012 it recorded the largest sum ever registered on the entire art market.

Organized globally Christie's 350 auctions a year in over 80 categories. Be it works of art, furniture, jewelry or even wine - everyone can get hold of personal treasures in a price range of $ 200 to $ 100 million. Additional help when deciding on a property is provided by product descriptions, 100% binding expert verifications and the stories behind it.

3. Van Ham

The family company, founded in 1959, is one of the elite German action houses. His founding history is remarkable: art historian Carola van Ham founded and ran the company as the first auctioneer in Europe. Still family run, takes from Ham meanwhile a pioneer in digitalization in Germany. It is the only German auction house to have its own online auction platform on which curated online auctions with a special focus on modern and contemporary art take place. It is therefore independent of larger technology partners and discreetly manages customer information.

Since purchase decisions are made online and therefore without personal inspection, Van Ham relies on comprehensive service and transparency. Experts for customer advice at home and abroad guarantee quality and security. Antiques over 1.000 euros are also left in the Art Loss Register - the most relevant database worldwide for stolen or lost art - to prevent theft, counterfeiting, etc. In a holistically professional manner, the company has achieved international success through the balance of tradition, modernization, internationalization and quality.

4. New master

The Munich art auction house Neumeister has been committed to art and rarity for over 60 years. Whether porcelain service, diamond watch or Colonial Tables in Art Nouveau style - exclusively selected and high quality pieces can be purchased here. Particularly interesting for scene insiders: special auctions from selected private collections of great collectors.

Customer proximity and personalized service are guaranteed by employing Neumeister experts in the DACH region and the USA to examine art and to organize smooth purchases and sales. There are many options to do this. Be it over the phone, live online or on site - at Neumeister there are many ways to experience the thrill of an auction. In advance, interested parties can use the auction platform on the Internet to search for works of art - filtered by style, artist or era.

5. Lempertz

Since its inception in the 19th century, that German art house Lempertz established as a go-to point of contact for art lovers. Today it is continued in the 5th generation and organizes over 20 auctions a year. Whether antique books, avant-garde items or furniture in the Rococo style - objects from the entire spectrum of art and eras can be auctioned here. While the auction platform has locations in Cologne, Berlin, Munich and Brussels, "live bidding" is always possible on the online auction platform. This means that bidders can register on the website, look at all auction catalogs and finally also bid digitally.

Lempertz takes action to promote integrity in the auction platform scene. In cooperation with the Cologne University of Applied Sciences for Restoration, the traditional company initiated the establishment of a competence center for the detection of forgeries. This guarantees the art-historical protection and verification of every piece offered for auction.

 

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