Best in class this week → Gold, REITs, and watches are all supported by real fundamentals. Most under pressure → diamonds and handbags, both navigating structural shifts that the market is only beginning to price in fully. What's worth watching ahead → the New York art auctions in May, whisky before auction season heats up, and oil, which is being moved by headlines right now. The Cellar's message this week is simple. Know what you own and know why you own it. The difference between an asset and an accessory has rarely mattered more.

It is universally recognized, virtually indestructible and serves as the primary and oldest currency for thousands of years. Yes, I’m talking about gold.

For sure, you have something in your accessory closet that’s gold, or you’ve gifted gold, placed it beautifully as a decorational item, or simply own something that resembles the look of it.

→ Gold medals, gold trophies, and gold stars remain the universal symbol of first place and highest achievement, from the Olympics to kindergarten classrooms.
→ Gold jewelry, gold watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe), and gold accessories still signal affluence.
→ Gold continues to dominate religious spaces. Think about the gilded altars, gold leaf on icons and Buddhist statues, gold domes on mosques and Orthodox churches. Makes sense?
→ Gold wedding and engagement rings are still the dominant symbol of romantic commitment across most cultures, carrying thousands of years of that symbolism forward.

The same qualities the Egyptian pharaohs and Anglo-Saxon ring-givers were exploiting as permanence, rarity, radiance, incorruptibility, are still exactly what makes gold meaningful today. The contexts change but the core symbolism is eternal.

Roman emperors distributed gold coins (donativa) to soldiers and senators on occasions like coronations, military victories, and imperial birthdays.
Medieval tournaments often saw noble patrons award gold prizes or golden cups to victorious knights.
Italian merchant-princes (like the Medici) gave elaborate gold objects such as chalices, chains, medallions to artists, clergy, and political allies to build influence.

The list goes on. Across most of these cultures, gifting gold was a political technology. It created a sense of obligation, demonstrated power, signaled alliance, and reinforced social hierarchy.

I absolutely adore gold geometric patterns and sunburst mirrors from the art deco era. Hollywood glamour’s gilded furniture, even packaging of perfume bottles, chocolates and detailing across specifications implies a certain type of indulgence when gold is part of the equation.

I tend to seek more than just face value when strategizing, designing or styling something new. It’s important to know how our belief systems are tied to certain elements.

In hermetic philosophy, turning base metals into gold (Magnum Opus) is an allegory for spiritual transmutation. It represents refining the ego, overcoming personal shadows, and balancing one's inner elements to achieve a perfected soul.

Also, many spiritual traditions view gold as "the riches of spirit,” representing wisdom, spiritual depth, and the generosity of the universe. That may be the lesson after all.

A metal so unique that stands the test of time.
A metal that would outlive us?
Were we ever it’s owners, or simply its keepers?

(Read The Future of Gold Deep Dive from Five-Course Tasting 👇)

In the remote desert of Texas (literally in the middle of nowhere) sits a Prada boutique that’s merchandised, designed and laid out exactly like other boutiques. Except, you cannot shop there. It was never meant to function as a store, but rather as a pop-architectural critique of luxury consumerism, the fashion industry, and retail tourism.

Why I’m intrigued with this installation:
▪ The installation was created in 2005 by the Scandinavian artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset, in collaboration with the arts organizations Art Production Fund and Ballroom Marfa.
▪ Head designer Miuccia Prada endorsed the project. She granted permission to use the logo and donated authentic shoes and handbags from the 2005 collection to be displayed inside.
▪ The artists wanted to place luxury goods in a totally displaced, isolating context.

At home is where the messy magic happens.

The place of solace, comfort and meaning all at once (and all the caviar flavors too).

P.S. Like my style (and taste)? Work with me.