Christie's South Kensington Expert Guides

Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful.

Open seven days a week, Christie’s South Kensington is the busiest saleroom in the UK, annually holding over 60 auctions. Over 30 specialists are based in the saleroom, covering more than 20 different categories of fine and decorative arts.

Sharing their expertise, the specialist teams have a created a series of expert guides ranging from finding buyers guides for coloured stones, how to read symbols in Chinese art, six regions of Scottish whiskey to know, plus many more.

• From originals and editions to missing signatures and finding the right frame — specialist Lindsay Griffith offers an expert introduction to prints and multiples. Here are 11 things you need to know. Read more. 
• What is the best (and worst) way to store my handbag? Christie’s expert Rachel Koffsky reveals six tips to a healthy and happy handbag. Read more.
• From rubies and emeralds to rare coloured diamonds — specialist David Warren provides an in-depth expert guide for buyers seeking to puchase coloured stones for their collection. Read more.
• Scotch whisky: 6 regions to know. Can you tell your Ardbeg from your Edradour? If not, specialist Charles Foley offers advice on six Scotthis regions to know spanning the deep, dark complexity of the Highlands to the floral notes of Islay. Read more.
• Chinese Ceramics: Decoding the meaning of traditional symbols. Specialist Ivy Chan on the significance of traditional motifs, from clever monkeys to dignified peacocks. Read more.
• A brief history of blockbuster diamonds -  looking back at some of the exceptional diamonds Christie’s has handled over the years including the Oppenheimer Blue. Read more.
• Collecting Guide: 10 things you need to know about Chinese ceramics. How to get clued up on everything from reign marks to firing flaws, palettes, glazes and the different kilns. Read more.

There is plenty more advice from the expert's at the UK's busiest saleroom, have a look here to see more specialist topics from Christie's.

On the first Tuesday of every month, Christie's South Kensington keep their doors open late. Anyone can drop in to between 6pm and 8:30pm for a post-work drink, to hear experts talk about art, interior design and collecting, and to see what happens behind the scenes. For more information, visit the website.