Objects of Desire: Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, head of fine jewellery and watches at Adam’s Auctioneers on her most treasured possessions

Mestrallet is the first female director in the company’s 134-year history

“During the lockdowns, we had a lot more people inquiring through Instagram about pieces”: Claire-Laurence Mestrallet of Adam’s on the shifting sands of luxury retail. Pictures throughout: Nathalie Marquez Courtney

Unsurprisingly, I collect jewellery. I’m drawn to retro pieces from the 1940s up to the 1970s, and I especially love French and Italian makers from that period. I would describe my style as very classic, but always with big, bold jewellery to spice it up.

This tank bracelet was my grandmother’s – she had given it to my mom, who wore it for many years, before giving it to my grandmother who passed it on ...