2025 top valuation trends: gold, art, jewellery and handbags

It’s important to recognise the worth of your most treasured possessions, whether it's a vintage handbag collection or a beloved work of art. Without an up-to-date valuation or knowledge of market trends, you could be at risk of underinsurance – where your coverage falls short of the cost to replace or repair these valuable items.

As part of NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance, we work with trusted valuation partners who can, for a fee, provide a valuation of your belongings. Here they share four key emerging trends that may affect the value of your collections.

1. Increased demand for 20th-century art

Works of art by 20th-century artists have been in particular demand in recent times.

Mark Smith, Managing Director at valuation specialists Quastel Associates, says: “Twentieth century works are driving the art market. The print sector is particularly strong, and we have continued to see large increases for the most desirable artists.”

David Hockney and Andy Warhol are among artists whose pieces have performed well at auction recently. 

Harvey Cammell, Deputy Chairman for Bonhams UK, notes that at the auctioneer’s 20th/21st Century Sale Season in New York last November, “collectors were happy to pay a premium for rare, fresh to the market artworks”. 

Cammell, who is also Global Director of Valuations, Trusts & Estates at Bonhams, adds: “Andy Warhol’s incredibly rare Farah Fawcett more than tripled pre-sale expectations selling for $1.5 million, and there was significant interest in White Primrose (one of only two known versions) by Georgia O’Keefe which sold for $4.4 million”.  

This trend highlights the dynamic nature of the art market and the importance of staying informed about current valuations. Understanding these trends can help collectors make informed decisions about their investments and ensure their insurance cover accurately reflects the true value of their possessions.

2. The boom of vintage handbags

Today, valuable collections extend beyond traditional items like fine art and jewellery to include assets such as luxury handbags.

Helen Doyle, Jewellery, Handbag and Wristwatch Specialist at Doerr Dallas Valuations, says: “Certain designer handbags can appreciate significantly over time, making them valuable assets and smart investments. Resale demand, especially limited editions or classic models, is booming.”

She adds that some models by popular brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton can make higher prices at auction than their current retail value. For instance, a Hermés Kelly handbag that could be found for £400 in 2007, went for £7,650 in 2023. Such models are “excellent investments and highly collectible items,” Doyle says.

3. Soaring gold prices

A surge in gold investment pushed the metal’s price to a record high of $2,799 in January 2025.

Mark Smith of Quastel Associates explains: "Gold prices have reached an all-time high due to global instability, driven by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the lasting effects of the pandemic.”

 “Gold is widely regarded as a safe haven during periods of economic uncertainty and geopolitical unrest, leading investors to move away from stocks, real estate, and other assets toward safer options like gold. This trend impacts not only gold bullion and coins but also the value of jewellery containing gold”, Smith says.

He adds that his team regularly see clients who have not updated the valuation of gold for a long time. This can result in instances of underinsurance should you need to make a claim.

4. The rise of men’s fine jewellery

Luxury jewellery brands are increasingly catering to men. Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren have all debuted men’s fine jewellery collections in the past two years.

But jewellery is a broad church, so what type of pieces shine? For Liz Bailey, Jewellery & Watches Specialist at Doerr Dallas, cufflinks are a timeless choice. She notes that fine pieces from renowned makers like Cartier, dating back to the early 20th century, are particularly desirable at auction, along with designs from jewellers such as André Vassort, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

But as with other collections, the jewellery market is constantly evolving, and Bailey emphasises the importance of obtaining a comprehensive valuation.

Protect your collections with regular valuations

Valuations can fluctuate depending on market trends, and you could find yourself underinsured if something were to happen to them. Regular valuations are crucial, at least every three years, as they help ensure your insurance cover keeps pace with the current market value of your possessions. This way, you can avoid the risk of underinsurance and be offered peace of mind knowing that your valuable items are adequately protected.