Valuation Trends are shifting as we move into 2026, shaped by changing collector behaviour, evolving tastes and ongoing volatility across global markets. From jewellery, watches and handbags to art, rare books, silver and collectables, understanding where values are moving and why has never been more important. In this article, our specialists share their insight into the key valuation trends to watch in 2026 and explain what they mean for owners, collectors and those responsible for ensuring assets are accurately insured.
Jewellery
Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Watch & Silver Specialist
“As we have seen in 2025, the price of gold has reached record breaking levels and I can see no slowing of this trend into 2026. With a near 60% price increase last year, it will be crucially important to maintain regular valuations. We would expect to see a stabilisation in the market for natural diamonds, particularly steady in round brilliants under 2ct, and price spikes continuing for elongated fancy shapes and unique cuts over 2ct. In the gemstone market, a continued and constant premium placed on natural, saturated and high-quality gemstones of a favourable origin, which may prove increasingly difficult to source on the international market. Antique, signed, and unique pieces to remain in high demand, and designer price hikes to only push replacement values for insurance. If I could urge clients one thing for their jewellery collection this year, please ensure that you have a comprehensive and up to date valuation that accounts for these market factors – inadequate cover is not a trend that we want to see in 2026!“
Collectibles & Memorabilia
Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collector Specialist
“With a new generation evident in the market, acquiring pieces coveted in their youth I anticipate continuing growth in modern collectables. The trend towards objects from the early 2000s is gaining momentum with record prices recently in sports trading cards, and movie memorabilia from this period. With 2026 being a World Cup year football memorabilia may also be one to watch.”
Rare Books & Comics
Richard Fattorini, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant
“In 2026 I expect the rare book market to remain resilient and quietly buoyant with steady growth rather than a speculative boom. Auction activity continues to expand, driven by online platforms and new online auction houses specialising in rare books and works on paper that have widened access for collectors. Top-tier works selling for £100,000+ with strong provenance, historical importance or exceptional condition are likely to hold or increase in value. By contrast, more ordinary collectible titles may see flatter prices. A younger, more diverse generation of buyers in the 35-50 age bracket is reshaping tastes, with increased interest in genre fiction, science and books that tell compelling stories rather than simply fitting a traditional canon.
In 2025 the global top 10 books and works on paper sold at auction were dominated by Americana and American sports cards, together with a first Superman comic from 1939, an 18th century Mughal manuscript of an epic based on the Shahnama, and one of four copies of William Blake’s Songs of Experience (1793).
The results demonstrate that there are buyers out there for the best items, and collecting has never been easier with so many online platforms. The challenge for booksellers and auctioneers in 2026, as always, is finding the great material to meet the demands of collectors.”
Luxury Handbags
Helen Doyle, Jewellery, Watch & Handbag Specialist
“In 2026, the resurgence of the tote is a defining trend. These large handbags have become essential for fashionistas who need a single bag that they can use for the gym, take to the office or on a weekend shopping trip. Chanel continues to offer a great variety of shopping totes, while the Louis Vuitton Neverfull remains a staple and is available in various sizes and designs. Other brands leading this movement are The Row and Saint Laurent, for those seeking ultimate luxury, the bold Hermes Birkin 40 is the standout choice for a high-end tote. These designs can be priced anywhere from £1500 up to £55,000.
2026 also sees a significant revival of old classics, as several iconic handbags from previous decades return to the spotlight. At Celine, Michael Rider has reintroduced Phoebe Philo’s classic Phantom handbag, adding a “smiley” zip to lean into its long-standing nickname. Likewise, we are seeing refreshed iterations of the Lady Dior and the Fendi Baguette, alongside a sharp rise in the popularity of the Chloé Paddington and the Balenciaga City bag.
In terms of aesthetics and materials, specific hardware and textures define the 2026 look. Chains have become a dominant feature across many collections; while Chanel has historically been central to this style, brands such as Ferragamo, Valentino, and Stella McCartney are now heavily incorporating chain details into their newest designs. Additionally, the tactile trends of 2025 are proving to have staying power. Shearling remains a popular choice for added texture, while the colour palette for the year is grounded in sophisticated neutral tones and rich brown suedes.”
Silver
Jenny Knott, Jewellery & Silver Specialist
“If you’ve been watching silver at all, it feels a little like observing the quiet underdog of the precious-metals family suddenly step into the spotlight. The reliable, understated sibling has started to make the headlines, although it’s not a completely straightforward story.
Over the past five years, silver has shifted from a relatively modest performer to one of the standout commodities in global markets. The spot price – the price at which sterling silver is traded – more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, reaching £50–£60 per ounce by the end of 2025 and then peaking at £73 per ounce last week. By historical standards, this is extraordinary, even when set against previous market surges.
There is, however, a more disconcerting side to the story. While silver’s financial prominence has grown, its role as a domestic commodity, for example, in flatware, tea sets and decorative pieces, has continued to weaken. These uses once formed a central part of silver’s cultural cachet but rising prices and changing tastes have led consumers to step back from buying some traditional silverware.
For those who already own silver, this shift has had dramatic consequences. The intrinsic value of household silver has risen sharply, although this is partly offset by dealers being forced to cut their margins. Put bluntly, a single silver table fork is now likely to contain around £140 in silver value alone.
Therefore, what was a relatively quiet market until around 2023 has become strikingly dynamic. The gains seen in 2025 and early 2026 would once have seemed almost unimaginable outside the gold market. The result is a fascinating intersection of macroeconomic forces and cultural change, making silver one of the most compelling commodities to watch.”
Watches
Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist
“In 2026 the watch market has reached the ‘calmly tidying up’ era….prices are well off the post-pandemic peak (about 33% down), but they’ve stopped face-planting at a rate of knots and even crept up 5%(ish) over the last year, but this is only in some markets.
Many watch retailers January 2026 updates back that up – the “Overall Market Index rose +1.1% in December 2025, with Rolex +0.6%”not exactly fireworks, but a lot steadier than 2022–23 vibes when some people were crying into their watch boxes.
Where it still gets spicy is the ‘coloured dial tax’, especially on Rolex. For example, secondary market currently puts the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (124300) at £6500 market vs £4750 retail, so still over list.
And the brighter variants are another level – the yellow dial is £12,500, while the celebration turquoise is £11,500 – so yes, the market’s cooled, but the right dial still makes people forget what retail means.”
Contemporary Art
Jonathan Horwich, Contemporary Art Specialist
“Looking ahead to 2026, you can expect a continued and growing focus on female artists at auction. This spans all periods, from contemporary practitioners through to Old Masters and 19th-century European painters. Demand is no longer confined to a single category, and this broader interest is already reflected in stronger and more consistent prices.
There is also sustained momentum behind African and regional African art. While figurative work has dominated in recent years, attention is shifting towards abstract painting. This is bringing a wave of new artists to market, supported by increased institutional and collector interest. Given the depth and quality of material available, this area is likely to remain a key growth sector, with valuation levels continuing to evolve as the market matures.”
Antique Furniture
Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist
“In 2026, antique furniture is a simple equation – the headline pieces still go bananas, while the everyday stuff stays more price-sensitive. Last year gave us a perfect top end vs. normal world contrast – J.R.R. Tolkien’s Merton College desk made £330,200 at Christie’s which I wrote about not so long ago, and was pure provenance power. And in the broader furniture-as-trophy bracket, François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar hit $31.4m at Sotheby’s in December 2025, whilst not exactly antique furniture, it does indicate that market changing and becoming just as important…
At the other side of the market, though, it’s much more selective.
Victorian sideboards, mixed-condition dining sets, and ‘perfectly nice’ brown case furniture can still be surprisingly attainable because buyers are picky….
Where people will stretch is for the right, unmolested examples – original surfaces, honest wear, good colour, and clean provenance. Major auction houses these days literally frame desirability around provenance and patina – and collectors are widely wary of heavy refinishing because it strips character and can dent value. So, clients should take note that actually, that stain from 50 years ago, might not have been as bad as imagined….”
With valuation trends moving quickly across multiple markets, regular professional valuations remain the simplest way to stay informed and properly protected. If you would like advice or need an updated valuation, get in touch with our team to arrange a valuation.
Liz worked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter for one of the UK’s leading regional jewellery auction houses whilst completing her FGA and DGA qualifications from the Gem-A, achieving top marks in each.
Jenny has been working in the Silver and Jewellery industry for over 35 years, she is a graduate of Reading University where she gained a BA Hons in English literature. She joined Bonham’s auctioneers in Knightsbridge as a post-graduate in the silver, jewellery and clocks and watches departments, specialising in silver and jewellery. Jenny soon rose to the position of deputy head of department.
Richard Fattorini has over 25 years of professional experience in valuing and selling rare books and manuscripts, historical photographs and maps. A graduate of the University of Oxford, Richard worked at Sotheby’s for 24 years where he became a senior director, senior specialist and auctioneer in the department of Books and Manuscripts.
Stephanie has worked in the fine art and antiques industry for over 20 years. She is the former Department Director of Collectors sales at Bonhams Auctioneers. Stephanie was additionally the Head of Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia department and is a recognised expert in Popular Culture.
Jonathan started his career in the art world at the legendary London picture dealer Thomas Agnew and then to Christie’s in King Street as Director, Auctioneer and Head of Modern British pictures where in recognition of his wide knowledge base Jonathan was also appointed head of British and Irish Art, International Director of the 19th European picture department and Deputy Chairman.
Alastair has been involved in the antiques industry for over 20 years as an auctioneer and valuer. Alastair has a particularly broad knowledge with interests and passions to include the following specialities; militaria, watches, automobilia, rock and pop, posters, comics books, and musical instruments.
Helen joined the jewellery department at Bonham’s Auctioneers before moving on to lead roles at various asset lenders in London and New York. As her career has progressed, she has also become a specialist in valuing designer handbags and watches, as well as jewellery.