Top-dollar toys make biggest auction splash

Clockwise from left: Macallan Valerio Adami 1926; Tiffany sapphire and diamond ring; Cartier onyx and diamond pendant; Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch

Ten years after the global crash of 2008, there seems no end in sight to the spending spree at the high end of the auction market. According to Barnebys auction search engine, what are making the top prices are “adult toys” - cars, jewellery, watches and alcohol.

“Many wealthy people see these new collectibles as a good investment, and also a fun investment where the return is more than money in the bank,” ...