Participants in a 12-step programme generally identify a point of no return where things have become so bad that they must seek help. That moment should have come when I accidentally bought the emerald ring. Yet nothing seems to temper my addiction to online auctions.
As a woman who likes the occasional flutter, it’s easy to get carried away during the actual bidding
For the blissfully unafflicted, the-saleroom.com is a site that lists hundreds of thousands of lots, up at auction at houses all over the UK and Ireland. In other words, anyone can engage in online bidding wars without having to jump in the car and drive to a draughty warehouse. Only Sotheby’s and Christie’s seem not to list on the site, presumably because they consider themselves too high-brow, which is just as well (my kingdom for Princess Diana’s sheep jumper, currently up for sale at Sotheby’s).
The website is full of quite amazing bargains; everything appears to be a steal, everything a glorious treasure that will elevate your personal style and impress your friends.

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