Antiques & Collectibles

The epitome of British heritage fashion, the Burberry trench coat is a beloved wardrobe classic. Practical yet versatile; it is sleek and sexy but also a preppy favourite. Since the launch of the coat in 1912, Burberry has unveiled a selection of styles that has reached iconic stature – and here you will discover their original designs, seasonal adaptations and limited editions.

The book also takes a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, the preloved market and how to authenticate a Burberry. So, whether you are considering buying retail or secondhand, dressing for weather or fashion, this is your ultimate guide to the world's most famous coat.

A symbol of power, a promise of marriage and a girl's best friend, the diamond is unmatched by any other gemstone in the world.

From ancient civilizations and the royal courts of Europe to modern culture, film and fashion, the mystique and glamor of the world's most brilliant natural treasure is told in a story that merges history with gemology, collecting with couture. Celebrating our everlasting fascination with this prized jewel, The Story of the Diamond gives background on merchants, traders and jewellers, from Cartier to Harry Winston, as well as legendary and rare stones, such as the cursed Hope, the stolen Koh-i-Noor and the ransomed Idol's Eye.

With indepth information on styles, cuts, colors and carats, and both natural and lab-grown stones, as well as a chapter devoted to engagement rings, there is advice on selecting and buying sustainably sourced diamonds.

Timeless and ever-fashionable, the Chanel handbag is the luxury goods statement piece that is always in demand.

Since the launch of the 2.55 in 1955, Chanel has unveiled a curated classic selection of styles that has reached iconic stature – and here you will discover their myriad seasonal adaptations, limited editions and special features.

From the ultra-rare beaded lucite Cage Flap to the discontinued Diana (named after Princess Di), the So Black to the Graffiti backpack, the book traces the rise of the Chanel bag from the very first designs to today's releases and charts the Chanel bag in popular culture and celebrity fashion.

A detailed behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship explains the details of quilting, leathers and materials, hardware, labels and stitching, as well as how to authenticate a Chanel bag. Whether you are considering buying retail or second-hand, to celebrate a milestone, commemorate an important event in life or as an investment, this is your ultimate guide to this exclusive – and sometimes elusive – accessory.

For its luminescent beauty and timeless elegance, the pearl has been prized for centuries, from ancient civilizations and royalty to society girls and Hollywood celebrities. Not only a symbol of wealth, status and power, this rare gem is a moon-like talisman associated with healing, protection and purity.

Weaving myth and history, art and literature, the sacred and the secular, this book unfolds the fascinating 4,000-year-old story of the pearl, including tales of pearl-divers in the Pacific, the jewellery of ancient Rome and legendary pearls such as the 500-year-old La Peregrina and the 14-pound Pearl of Allah. Here you will learn of the various types of pearls, both cultured and costume styles, how to wear and care for them, as well as pearls in popular culture and in fashions through the ages.

With a dedication to luxury and practicality, Louis Vuitton designed his unique lightweight, airtight luggage in 1854 and ensured that jetsetters all over the globe could travel in comfort and style. It was a creation that founded a fashion house and became a standard-bearer for all travel pieces of the future.

Exploring the history from traditional box-making to the revolution of the stackable trunk to modern-day artistic collaborations, the book captures the story and craftmanship behind this status symbol and how the luggage continues to define the spirit of travel. From the unmistakable Monogram canvas to the unpickable lock, the steamer trunk to the Speedy, every detail and feature is unveiled.