As Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips boosted their offerings of jewels, watches and handbags, 2020 saw an explosion of luxury accessories auctions.

- The number of auctions focusing on luxury accessories increased by 134%, from just over 110 auctions in 2019 to almost 260 auctions in 2020. Fine art auctions in comparison increased by 10% from about 370 auctions in 2019 to over 400 auctions in 2020.

- The number of luxury items catalogued in the accessories auctions also increased but on a much smaller scale (3% only) as many of the new 2020 luxury accessories auctions included a much smaller number of lots.

- Combined revenue from Luxury accessories auctions at the top three auction houses decreased by 16% from US$1.14 billion in 2019 to US$0.96 billion in 2020. 

Results varied significantly per auction house and per type of accessory.

Sources:

- Pi-eX 2007-2020 Annual Filter Report: Results at Top 3 Auction Houses Worldwide

- Pi-eX 2007-2020 Accessories Auctions Report: Results at Top 3 Auction Houses Worldwide