Valuation Trends for 2026

Protect what matters most

Your most treasured possessions carry more than financial worth - they hold stories and memories. 

In a fast-moving market, the value of those items can shift without warning, and if your valuations haven’t kept pace, you may be unknowingly underinsured.

For many high value collectors, valuations completed more than three years ago may now fall short of what it would truly cost to replace or restore an item. When the unexpected happens, that gap can leave even the most carefully protected collections exposed.

At NFU Mutual, we believe peace of mind is priceless. Here are the trends reshaping the value of high-end collections this year - and why now is the moment to take stock of yours. 

Key Highlights:

• Many collectors could be underinsured if valuations are more than three years old.
• Modern and contemporary art continues to outperform expectations at auction.
• Luxury handbags are a fast-growing collectible market with volatile pricing.
• Price of gold has reached record highs, pushing up the value of jewellery.
• Keeping valuations up to date to ensure proper protection.

What’s rising in value?

Modern art: the market is moving fast

Across galleries and private collections, modern and contemporary art continues to command soaring prices. Buyers are gravitating toward bold, modern styles - and competition at auction is stronger than ever.

Harvey Cammell, Bonhams Global Director of Valuations, identifies the continued strength in the Modern British Art market in 2025, with some exceptional prices achieved not only for high profile artists such as Hepworth, Lowry and Peploe, but also for lesser known artists such as Harold Gilman, and Dod Proctor both achieving six figure sums.

If you have a piece hanging at home - even one you’ve owned for years - it may now be worth far more than you realise.

Luxury handbags: from style icons to investment assets

Today’s luxury handbags are no longer simply accessories; they are investment pieces. In the highest end collections, pristine condition and rarity can lead values to rise sharply.

“Many collectors are buying to invest, not just to use,” says Mark Smith Managing Director at valuation specialists Quastel Associates. Chanel’s medium classic flap bag, for example, has risen by around 130% in a decade. Hermes Kelly and Birkin bags crafted from discontinued leathers are in especially high demand.

With prices fluctuating quickly, outdated valuations can leave even seasoned collectors exposed.

Gold jewellery: a surge few anticipated

Gold remains a refuge in uncertain times - and its value has climbed to record highs. In January 2026, prices surpassed $4,800 a troy ounce, influencing the worth of everything from heirloom jewellery to rare, mounted pieces.

“This trend impacts not only gold bullion and coins but also the value of jewellery containing gold”, Mark Smith of Quastel Associates says. He says 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.

Harvey Cammell of Bonhams explains, “There is a direct correlation between the price of gold and works of art, jewellery and watches containing gold – a Sèvres royal gold-mounted snuff box made for Madame Adélaïde sold for £190,900 at Bonhams in December 2025. This was a world record for a Sèvres box.”

Other precious metals have also gained in value. Doerr Dallas Valuations points to a rise in silver jewellery, which it expects to be “an area to watch in 2026”.

Nostalgia toys: a changing landscape for collectors

Beyond traditional items, new generations are seeking out nostalgic treasures - from vintage toys to Pokémon cards - expanding what “valuable” now means.

The thread connecting all collections is simple: values evolve - when they do, your cover needs to evolve with them.

Why regular valuations matter

A valuation every three years is a good rule of thumb - more frequently for items in fast-moving markets. Regular valuation reviews help ensure your protection keeps pace with the true value of what you’ve worked hard to build and safeguard. 

Protect your valuables: 

• Do valuations reflect current market demand, not the original purchase price?
• Is your documentation stored securely in case you need to claim?  

We’re here to help

Whether you collect fine art, contemporary design, high-end fashion or nostalgic treasures, market shifts can be swift - and insurance needs to keep up.

At NFU Mutual, we work with trusted experts who understand high value collections - giving you confidence that the things you treasure most are properly protected, whatever the future brings. If you're unsure whether your current valuations reflect today’s market, our specialists can guide you.