The Louvre Heist: A Wake-Up Call for Collectors on Security, Provenance, and Stewardship

What happened?

The robbers, three to four in number, posed as workers, used a truck-mounted lift to access the second-floor balcony of the Galerie d’Apollon on the Seine-facing side of the museum and entered through a window using angle-grinders and other power tools. They smashed open two display cases, seized the jewels, and escaped via motor scooters. The museum was evacuated almost immediately and closed for investigation.

Why this matters to collectors?

For anyone enthusiastic about luxury assets, historic jewelry or “hard-assets” collections, this heist spotlights three big themes:

  1. Heritage value vs. market value
    The stolen items — sets once owned by Empress Eugénie, Queen Marie‑Amélie, Queen Hortense and Empress Marie‑Louise — are described as having inestimable heritage value. From a collector’s lens, the lesson is that provenance and context (royal ownership, national heritage) can dramatically alter the story around an object beyond just carats and metal weight.

  2. Security and risk in the world of tangible collectibles
    The fact that the world-famous Louvre was breached so quickly raises the question: if high-security institutions are vulnerable, what does that mean for storage, display, documentation and insurance of pieces in your own collection? The indoor security of physical collectibles matters just as much as market trends.

  3. Liquidity, resale risk and diversion of assets
    One art-recovery expert told news outlets that unless the pieces are recovered within 24-48 hours, they may be dismantled — gold melted, gems recut — making them effectively unrecoverable. For serious collectors, it’s a reminder that owning tangible assets involves not only acquisition but maintenance of record-keeping, security, and exit strategy.

A deeper angle: why this kind of event matters now?

In recent years, the market for high-end jewelry and heritage pieces has grown more global and more liquid. But it also means the risk profile changes. When the Louvre heist occurred, it triggered a national review of museum security in France, with the Interior Minister demanding reassessments across institutions. For budding or serious collectors, this signals that the broader environment—regulatory, institutional security, market transparency—is evolving. Your assets don’t exist in a vacuum.

How working with WAX Collect can help?

  • Free collection-management tools: WAX Collect provides a platform where you can catalog each piece, record detailed provenance, photographs, appraisals and even insurance info. In a world where documentation becomes critical (as the Louvre case shows), that’s a strong foundational step.

  • Concierge-level support: Whether you need guidance on proper storage, arranging inspections, or ensuring you have appropriate risk-mitigation (e.g., security, transport, display), WAX Collect can walk you through best practices.

  • Strategic guidance on rebalancing or brands/heritage pieces to consider: We often talk about what to buy — but also how your collection should evolve. For example, after events like this heist, a collector might reassess whether they have adequate documentation, how visible their assets are, or whether they’re overly concentrated in a single type or era. WAX Collect helps you think about diversification: “Do I diversify across periods, geographies, maker/design schools?”, “What security protocols do I have in place for display vs. storage?” As one WAX client managing a budding collection said, “Knowing that the Louvre’s crown jewels were stolen in minutes made me rethink how I store my pieces and what I document.”

What should you do now?

  • Review and update your documentation: photograph your items, record certificates, provenance history, location/storage details.

  • Evaluate your security and risk mitigation: Even private collectors need to think of physical security, alarm systems, storage protocols, and emergency plans.

  • Consider the role of heritage and provenance as part of your value equation, not just carats/metal.

  • Leverage platforms like WAX Collect to maintain transparency and liquidity readiness: it’s easier to insure, to borrow against, or to exit when you have clean data.

Bottom line

For enthusiasts, budding collectors or serious collectors alike, the Louvre heist is a potent wake-up call: owning high-value tangible assets is about more than acquisition and aesthetic appreciation. It’s about stewardship, risk-management and strategic vision. With platforms like WAX Collect providing tools, concierge support and actionable guidance, you’re better positioned to protect, grow and enjoy your collection with confidence — even in a world where even royal jewels can vanish in under ten minutes.

The Louvre Heist: A Wake-Up Call for Collectors on Security, Provenance, and Stewardship

What happened?

The robbers, three to four in number, posed as workers, used a truck-mounted lift to access the second-floor balcony of the Galerie d’Apollon on the Seine-facing side of the museum and entered through a window using angle-grinders and other power tools. They smashed open two display cases, seized the jewels, and escaped via motor scooters. The museum was evacuated almost immediately and closed for investigation.

Why this matters to collectors?

For anyone enthusiastic about luxury assets, historic jewelry or “hard-assets” collections, this heist spotlights three big themes:

  1. Heritage value vs. market value
    The stolen items — sets once owned by Empress Eugénie, Queen Marie‑Amélie, Queen Hortense and Empress Marie‑Louise — are described as having inestimable heritage value. From a collector’s lens, the lesson is that provenance and context (royal ownership, national heritage) can dramatically alter the story around an object beyond just carats and metal weight.

  2. Security and risk in the world of tangible collectibles
    The fact that the world-famous Louvre was breached so quickly raises the question: if high-security institutions are vulnerable, what does that mean for storage, display, documentation and insurance of pieces in your own collection? The indoor security of physical collectibles matters just as much as market trends.

  3. Liquidity, resale risk and diversion of assets
    One art-recovery expert told news outlets that unless the pieces are recovered within 24-48 hours, they may be dismantled — gold melted, gems recut — making them effectively unrecoverable. For serious collectors, it’s a reminder that owning tangible assets involves not only acquisition but maintenance of record-keeping, security, and exit strategy.

A deeper angle: why this kind of event matters now?

In recent years, the market for high-end jewelry and heritage pieces has grown more global and more liquid. But it also means the risk profile changes. When the Louvre heist occurred, it triggered a national review of museum security in France, with the Interior Minister demanding reassessments across institutions. For budding or serious collectors, this signals that the broader environment—regulatory, institutional security, market transparency—is evolving. Your assets don’t exist in a vacuum.

How working with WAX Collect can help?

  • Free collection-management tools: WAX Collect provides a platform where you can catalog each piece, record detailed provenance, photographs, appraisals and even insurance info. In a world where documentation becomes critical (as the Louvre case shows), that’s a strong foundational step.

  • Concierge-level support: Whether you need guidance on proper storage, arranging inspections, or ensuring you have appropriate risk-mitigation (e.g., security, transport, display), WAX Collect can walk you through best practices.

  • Strategic guidance on rebalancing or brands/heritage pieces to consider: We often talk about what to buy — but also how your collection should evolve. For example, after events like this heist, a collector might reassess whether they have adequate documentation, how visible their assets are, or whether they’re overly concentrated in a single type or era. WAX Collect helps you think about diversification: “Do I diversify across periods, geographies, maker/design schools?”, “What security protocols do I have in place for display vs. storage?” As one WAX client managing a budding collection said, “Knowing that the Louvre’s crown jewels were stolen in minutes made me rethink how I store my pieces and what I document.”

What should you do now?

  • Review and update your documentation: photograph your items, record certificates, provenance history, location/storage details.

  • Evaluate your security and risk mitigation: Even private collectors need to think of physical security, alarm systems, storage protocols, and emergency plans.

  • Consider the role of heritage and provenance as part of your value equation, not just carats/metal.

  • Leverage platforms like WAX Collect to maintain transparency and liquidity readiness: it’s easier to insure, to borrow against, or to exit when you have clean data.

Bottom line

For enthusiasts, budding collectors or serious collectors alike, the Louvre heist is a potent wake-up call: owning high-value tangible assets is about more than acquisition and aesthetic appreciation. It’s about stewardship, risk-management and strategic vision. With platforms like WAX Collect providing tools, concierge support and actionable guidance, you’re better positioned to protect, grow and enjoy your collection with confidence — even in a world where even royal jewels can vanish in under ten minutes.

Tom Brady’s CardVault Blitz: From Super Bowls to Shopping Malls

In true Brady fashion, the announcement wasn’t your average press release. No, the GOAT did it by ripping open packs of cards, each one revealing the next city in his cardboard crusade. Las Vegas was the first pull — fitting, since he’s already a part-owner of the Raiders. “Do you think we can do the 50-yard line at Allegiant?” he asked in the video. Translation: I already texted Mark Davis, and he said yes before I finished asking.

The other five new stores? Mall of America, Dallas, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Palo Alto — basically a mix of football towns, tech money, and spots where a $500 PSA 10 Luka Doncic rookie can get you more social validation than a Tesla Plaid.

Brady didn’t say exactly when these stores would open, only that “We’ll be there soon.” Which, for those keeping track, is the same thing he told the Miami Dolphins before the tampering scandal.

Currently, CardVault has shops in Chicago, Boston, Foxborough, Mashantucket (inside Foxwoods Casino, because why not?), East Rutherford, and East Hampton — for the collector who likes his slabs graded and his rosé chilled. A seventh location is set to open in New York, because of course it is.

The expansion is part of a bigger, clearly quarterbacked strategy: Brady and his partners are aiming for 50 total CardVault locations. Yes, fifty. Which means that before too long, you might be able to buy a Tom Brady rookie card between a Wetzel’s Pretzels and an Auntie Anne’s.

Brady picked up a 50% stake in the company earlier this year, rebranding it as CardVault by Tom Brady — because when your brand equity has its own Wikipedia page, you use it. Founded in 2020, CardVault’s Gillette Stadium location was even crowned “America’s Best Card Shop” back in 2022, proving that the guy can still win trophies for things that aren’t football.

Since hanging up the cleats in 2023, Brady’s been on a full-blown collectibles bender — working with Fanatics, appearing at Fanatics Fest NYC, and even selling off his personal memorabilia at Sotheby’s in a $9 million “GOAT Collection” auction. You know, just in case you wanted to buy a piece of the man who broke Atlanta’s spirit in Super Bowl LI.

According to Inc., CardVault’s been growing faster than a Mahomes comeback — 338% growth over the last three years — and now ranks among America’s fastest-growing private companies.

At this rate, by 2030 Brady might own more card shops than passing records. And if you’re wondering whether he’s in this for the money or the hobby — remember: this is Tom Brady. The man doesn’t collect cards; he competes with them.

So, if you see a CardVault by Tom Brady pop up at your local mall, don’t be surprised. It’s not a pop-up shop — it’s another step in his ongoing quest to conquer every possible leaderboard on Earth.

Oct 16, 2025

2 min read

PSA’s New Math: Pay More, Wait Longer, Smile Anyway

Let’s break it down, then pour a stiff drink.

Slow Burn: The New Wait Times

Because the backlog is now “unprecedented,” PSA is sliding extra days into its service windows. Expect to see patience (and mood swings) tested:

Standard Card Grading

  • Value Plus: 20 → 25 business days

  • Value Max: 15 → 20 business days

  • Regular: 10 → 15 business days

  • Express: 5 → 10 business days


Dual Service (Grading + Autograph Auth)

Because why just wait for one thing when you can wait for two:

  • Value Plus: 30 → 35 business days

  • Value Max: 25 → 30

  • Regular: 20 → 25

  • Express: 15 → 20

Comics & Magazines

Because slabbing paper is equally dramatic:

  • Modern: 20 → 35 business days

  • Vintage: 30 → 45 days

  • (Plus tiers also get bumped proportionally)

The Fine Print: Receiving Delays & When the Clock Truly Starts

PSA warns that receiving time—the stretch between “hey, we got your box” and “we entered your submission into the system”—is averaging 15 business days for Bulk and Value orders. The grading clock only starts once your submission is in the system. So yes, you could be waiting before the official waiting even begins.

Forum whisperings suggest even worse: orders stuck in “QA” for weeks, “Research” phases stretching forever. Some Value orders submitted to meet a 20-day target ended up returning after 40+, 50+ business days.

In other words: PSA’s “estimates” are turning into faint suggestions, like “maybe your turkey will be done by dinner.”

Show Me the Money: Fee Hikes

You liked the service? You’ll love the new prices:

Card Grading (Standard)

  • Value Bulk: $19.99 → $21.99

  • Value: $24.99 → $27.99

  • Value Plus: $39.99 → $44.99

TCG Bulk remains untouched for now.

Dual Service (Grading + Auth)

  • Value Bulk: $25.99 → $27.99

  • Value: $34.99 → $37.99

  • Value Plus: $54.99 → $59.99

This marks the second price hike already in 2025 for Popular/Value Bulk tiers, which earlier in January moved from $18.99 → $19.99.

Also worth flagging: PSA is planning new grading facilities (Toronto in fall 2025, full-scale in Frankfurt in 2026), and expansions in Boca Raton and Plano, to “improve capacity.”

Macro Context & Metrics: Why Now?

  • In the first six months of 2025, PSA reportedly graded 8.89 million cards, which is a steep load.

  • In 2024, PSA handled over 15.3 million items overall.

  • Earlier in July, they tried some damage control: they reduced the turnaround estimate for Value submissions from 65 to 45 business days. (Yes, they are at war with time itself.)

Even with those tweaks, collectors are vocal—and angry—that PSA delivered far slower in reality than its “revised” promises.

Meanwhile, competitors like SGC and Beckett are quietly watching. If PSA keeps this up, higher price and longer wait, it could push more folks to peel off.

Hot Takes (Because You Want Them)

  1. PSA is monetizing the backlog.
    This is less “we’re overwhelmed” and more “demand is so high we can squeeze more margin out of it.” It's the age-old trick: raise prices, slow service, and let the urgency of collectors do the rest.

  2. The “estimate starts when it’s in the system” clause is pure contract trickery.
    It’s like Starbucks telling you to wait, but only once the barista remembers your order. For high-volume, low-value submissions, that 15 day receiving lag becomes part of your hidden fee.

  3. Slab loyalty is fragile.
    PSA arguably built its dominance on perceived liquidity, prestige, and reliability. But stretch the wait times too far, and the “brand tax” becomes unjustifiable. Some cards, especially marginal ones, might not need to be graded if buyers can’t get them back in a marketable timeframe.

  4. This might be PSA’s turning point.
    Collectibles markets live on hype and scarcity. If PSA becomes synonymous with “slow and expensive,” that aura fractures. The next grading company that nails low cost + relatively fast turnaround will eat their lunch.

Oct 9, 2025

3 min read

“Instagram Made Me Do It”: The Social Media Influence on Hype Watches and Its Shifting Paradigm

There’s no denying the upside. Social media has propelled brands—especially independents and microbrands—into the spotlight. A. Lange & Söhne, with its intricate craftsmanship, now reaches audiences that traditional advertising might have missed. Microbrands like Baltic Watches have leveraged Instagram’s reach to sell limited releases in minutes, cultivating communities as loyal as they are discerning.

Mainstream icons such as Rolex and Omega have adapted as well. Rolex’s 12 million Instagram followers speak to both its enduring prestige and the platform’s role in sustaining it. These posts aren’t just product shots—they’re lifestyle narratives that collectors eagerly buy into.

But the flip side is harder to ignore. The secondary market has seen wild fluctuations, with hype-driven posts inflating prices to unsustainable levels. Chrono24 reported that the average resale price of popular models like the Rolex Daytona jumped more than 20% in 2022 alone. The result? A bubble effect driven by FOMO, sometimes at the expense of horological substance.

Take the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Once celebrated for its design and rarity, it became an Instagram status symbol whose fame sent secondary prices sky-high—until Patek pulled the plug on production. Many buyers, swept up in the frenzy, found themselves owning watches that meant more to the market than to their passions.

Yet the same platforms fueling the frenzy also foster deeper knowledge-sharing. Collectors today can access unprecedented resources, connect directly with experts, and exchange insights with peers worldwide. That democratization of information empowers more informed—and more personally meaningful—purchases.

The key is remembering why we collect in the first place. Whether it’s the heartbeat of a mechanical movement or the legacy of a storied brand, our watches should reflect our journey, not just the latest algorithm-driven trend.

In the end, Instagram’s greatest power is connection—to stories, to heritage, and to each other. On platforms like WAX Collect, that connectivity goes beyond transactions, helping collectors curate pieces that truly resonate. So next time a post tempts you, ask: Is this my story, or am I just playing a role in someone else’s?

By embracing both the opportunities and the pitfalls, we can keep the joy of watch collecting authentic, enduring, and entirely our own.

Oct 2, 2025

2 min read

Tom Brady’s CardVault Blitz: From Super Bowls to Shopping Malls

In true Brady fashion, the announcement wasn’t your average press release. No, the GOAT did it by ripping open packs of cards, each one revealing the next city in his cardboard crusade. Las Vegas was the first pull — fitting, since he’s already a part-owner of the Raiders. “Do you think we can do the 50-yard line at Allegiant?” he asked in the video. Translation: I already texted Mark Davis, and he said yes before I finished asking.

The other five new stores? Mall of America, Dallas, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Palo Alto — basically a mix of football towns, tech money, and spots where a $500 PSA 10 Luka Doncic rookie can get you more social validation than a Tesla Plaid.

Brady didn’t say exactly when these stores would open, only that “We’ll be there soon.” Which, for those keeping track, is the same thing he told the Miami Dolphins before the tampering scandal.

Currently, CardVault has shops in Chicago, Boston, Foxborough, Mashantucket (inside Foxwoods Casino, because why not?), East Rutherford, and East Hampton — for the collector who likes his slabs graded and his rosé chilled. A seventh location is set to open in New York, because of course it is.

The expansion is part of a bigger, clearly quarterbacked strategy: Brady and his partners are aiming for 50 total CardVault locations. Yes, fifty. Which means that before too long, you might be able to buy a Tom Brady rookie card between a Wetzel’s Pretzels and an Auntie Anne’s.

Brady picked up a 50% stake in the company earlier this year, rebranding it as CardVault by Tom Brady — because when your brand equity has its own Wikipedia page, you use it. Founded in 2020, CardVault’s Gillette Stadium location was even crowned “America’s Best Card Shop” back in 2022, proving that the guy can still win trophies for things that aren’t football.

Since hanging up the cleats in 2023, Brady’s been on a full-blown collectibles bender — working with Fanatics, appearing at Fanatics Fest NYC, and even selling off his personal memorabilia at Sotheby’s in a $9 million “GOAT Collection” auction. You know, just in case you wanted to buy a piece of the man who broke Atlanta’s spirit in Super Bowl LI.

According to Inc., CardVault’s been growing faster than a Mahomes comeback — 338% growth over the last three years — and now ranks among America’s fastest-growing private companies.

At this rate, by 2030 Brady might own more card shops than passing records. And if you’re wondering whether he’s in this for the money or the hobby — remember: this is Tom Brady. The man doesn’t collect cards; he competes with them.

So, if you see a CardVault by Tom Brady pop up at your local mall, don’t be surprised. It’s not a pop-up shop — it’s another step in his ongoing quest to conquer every possible leaderboard on Earth.

PSA’s New Math: Pay More, Wait Longer, Smile Anyway

Let’s break it down, then pour a stiff drink.

Slow Burn: The New Wait Times

Because the backlog is now “unprecedented,” PSA is sliding extra days into its service windows. Expect to see patience (and mood swings) tested:

Standard Card Grading

  • Value Plus: 20 → 25 business days

  • Value Max: 15 → 20 business days

  • Regular: 10 → 15 business days

  • Express: 5 → 10 business days


Dual Service (Grading + Autograph Auth)

Because why just wait for one thing when you can wait for two:

  • Value Plus: 30 → 35 business days

  • Value Max: 25 → 30

  • Regular: 20 → 25

  • Express: 15 → 20

Comics & Magazines

Because slabbing paper is equally dramatic:

  • Modern: 20 → 35 business days

  • Vintage: 30 → 45 days

  • (Plus tiers also get bumped proportionally)

The Fine Print: Receiving Delays & When the Clock Truly Starts

PSA warns that receiving time—the stretch between “hey, we got your box” and “we entered your submission into the system”—is averaging 15 business days for Bulk and Value orders. The grading clock only starts once your submission is in the system. So yes, you could be waiting before the official waiting even begins.

Forum whisperings suggest even worse: orders stuck in “QA” for weeks, “Research” phases stretching forever. Some Value orders submitted to meet a 20-day target ended up returning after 40+, 50+ business days.

In other words: PSA’s “estimates” are turning into faint suggestions, like “maybe your turkey will be done by dinner.”

Show Me the Money: Fee Hikes

You liked the service? You’ll love the new prices:

Card Grading (Standard)

  • Value Bulk: $19.99 → $21.99

  • Value: $24.99 → $27.99

  • Value Plus: $39.99 → $44.99

TCG Bulk remains untouched for now.

Dual Service (Grading + Auth)

  • Value Bulk: $25.99 → $27.99

  • Value: $34.99 → $37.99

  • Value Plus: $54.99 → $59.99

This marks the second price hike already in 2025 for Popular/Value Bulk tiers, which earlier in January moved from $18.99 → $19.99.

Also worth flagging: PSA is planning new grading facilities (Toronto in fall 2025, full-scale in Frankfurt in 2026), and expansions in Boca Raton and Plano, to “improve capacity.”

Macro Context & Metrics: Why Now?

  • In the first six months of 2025, PSA reportedly graded 8.89 million cards, which is a steep load.

  • In 2024, PSA handled over 15.3 million items overall.

  • Earlier in July, they tried some damage control: they reduced the turnaround estimate for Value submissions from 65 to 45 business days. (Yes, they are at war with time itself.)

Even with those tweaks, collectors are vocal—and angry—that PSA delivered far slower in reality than its “revised” promises.

Meanwhile, competitors like SGC and Beckett are quietly watching. If PSA keeps this up, higher price and longer wait, it could push more folks to peel off.

Hot Takes (Because You Want Them)

  1. PSA is monetizing the backlog.
    This is less “we’re overwhelmed” and more “demand is so high we can squeeze more margin out of it.” It's the age-old trick: raise prices, slow service, and let the urgency of collectors do the rest.

  2. The “estimate starts when it’s in the system” clause is pure contract trickery.
    It’s like Starbucks telling you to wait, but only once the barista remembers your order. For high-volume, low-value submissions, that 15 day receiving lag becomes part of your hidden fee.

  3. Slab loyalty is fragile.
    PSA arguably built its dominance on perceived liquidity, prestige, and reliability. But stretch the wait times too far, and the “brand tax” becomes unjustifiable. Some cards, especially marginal ones, might not need to be graded if buyers can’t get them back in a marketable timeframe.

  4. This might be PSA’s turning point.
    Collectibles markets live on hype and scarcity. If PSA becomes synonymous with “slow and expensive,” that aura fractures. The next grading company that nails low cost + relatively fast turnaround will eat their lunch.

“Instagram Made Me Do It”: The Social Media Influence on Hype Watches and Its Shifting Paradigm

There’s no denying the upside. Social media has propelled brands—especially independents and microbrands—into the spotlight. A. Lange & Söhne, with its intricate craftsmanship, now reaches audiences that traditional advertising might have missed. Microbrands like Baltic Watches have leveraged Instagram’s reach to sell limited releases in minutes, cultivating communities as loyal as they are discerning.

Mainstream icons such as Rolex and Omega have adapted as well. Rolex’s 12 million Instagram followers speak to both its enduring prestige and the platform’s role in sustaining it. These posts aren’t just product shots—they’re lifestyle narratives that collectors eagerly buy into.

But the flip side is harder to ignore. The secondary market has seen wild fluctuations, with hype-driven posts inflating prices to unsustainable levels. Chrono24 reported that the average resale price of popular models like the Rolex Daytona jumped more than 20% in 2022 alone. The result? A bubble effect driven by FOMO, sometimes at the expense of horological substance.

Take the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Once celebrated for its design and rarity, it became an Instagram status symbol whose fame sent secondary prices sky-high—until Patek pulled the plug on production. Many buyers, swept up in the frenzy, found themselves owning watches that meant more to the market than to their passions.

Yet the same platforms fueling the frenzy also foster deeper knowledge-sharing. Collectors today can access unprecedented resources, connect directly with experts, and exchange insights with peers worldwide. That democratization of information empowers more informed—and more personally meaningful—purchases.

The key is remembering why we collect in the first place. Whether it’s the heartbeat of a mechanical movement or the legacy of a storied brand, our watches should reflect our journey, not just the latest algorithm-driven trend.

In the end, Instagram’s greatest power is connection—to stories, to heritage, and to each other. On platforms like WAX Collect, that connectivity goes beyond transactions, helping collectors curate pieces that truly resonate. So next time a post tempts you, ask: Is this my story, or am I just playing a role in someone else’s?

By embracing both the opportunities and the pitfalls, we can keep the joy of watch collecting authentic, enduring, and entirely our own.

Breaking Records and Setting Trends: The Resurgence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Collectible Legacy

The Market Dynamics at Play

In an era where tangible assets are increasingly sought after, this sale underscores the enduring appeal of iconic design pieces. According to Art Market Research, 2024 saw a 23% increase in global decorative arts sales volume, with Frank Lloyd Wright works appreciating by 18% year-over-year. These gains are fueled by craftsmanship, cultural significance, and the historical narratives embedded in each piece.

Provenance remains a powerful driver of value. The Dana-Thomas House, for which this lamp was originally commissioned, is a National Historic Landmark—a connection that elevates the lamp beyond mere design into a tangible piece of architectural history.

Decoding the Collectible Fever

The surge in demand for historical artifacts is part of a broader trend. In 2023, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index found that collectibles, including art and design, ranked among the best-performing asset classes, with a 16% annual return—outpacing many traditional investments.

New demographics are also reshaping the market. Younger collectors, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly active, drawn to the physicality and narrative richness of tangible assets. This shift reflects not just a taste for aesthetics, but a desire for investments that hold both cultural and financial weight.

Risk and Reward in Historical Investments

Investing in heritage pieces like Wright’s designs offers unique advantages, from serving as a hedge against inflation to diversifying wealth portfolios. Deloitte’s Art & Finance report notes that 73% of collectors now view their holdings as an integral part of their financial strategy.

However, the stakes are high. Rising demand has also led to an uptick in counterfeit attempts, particularly in high-value categories. For serious collectors, rigorous authenticity verification and provenance research remain non-negotiable. Advances in technology, including AI-driven verification tools, are helping mitigate these risks.

Forecasting the Future

With the global luxury market projected to grow by 5–7% annually through 2030, according to Bain & Company, appetite for rare, storied artifacts is expected to expand. Sustainability concerns are also pushing interest toward pre-owned, historically significant pieces—those with both timeless appeal and minimal environmental impact.

In this context, Frank Lloyd Wright’s work holds a unique position: blending aesthetic mastery, architectural history, and collectible value in a way that aligns perfectly with market momentum.

Tom Brady’s CardVault Blitz: From Super Bowls to Shopping Malls

In true Brady fashion, the announcement wasn’t your average press release. No, the GOAT did it by ripping open packs of cards, each one revealing the next city in his cardboard crusade. Las Vegas was the first pull — fitting, since he’s already a part-owner of the Raiders. “Do you think we can do the 50-yard line at Allegiant?” he asked in the video. Translation: I already texted Mark Davis, and he said yes before I finished asking.

The other five new stores? Mall of America, Dallas, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Palo Alto — basically a mix of football towns, tech money, and spots where a $500 PSA 10 Luka Doncic rookie can get you more social validation than a Tesla Plaid.

Brady didn’t say exactly when these stores would open, only that “We’ll be there soon.” Which, for those keeping track, is the same thing he told the Miami Dolphins before the tampering scandal.

Currently, CardVault has shops in Chicago, Boston, Foxborough, Mashantucket (inside Foxwoods Casino, because why not?), East Rutherford, and East Hampton — for the collector who likes his slabs graded and his rosé chilled. A seventh location is set to open in New York, because of course it is.

The expansion is part of a bigger, clearly quarterbacked strategy: Brady and his partners are aiming for 50 total CardVault locations. Yes, fifty. Which means that before too long, you might be able to buy a Tom Brady rookie card between a Wetzel’s Pretzels and an Auntie Anne’s.

Brady picked up a 50% stake in the company earlier this year, rebranding it as CardVault by Tom Brady — because when your brand equity has its own Wikipedia page, you use it. Founded in 2020, CardVault’s Gillette Stadium location was even crowned “America’s Best Card Shop” back in 2022, proving that the guy can still win trophies for things that aren’t football.

Since hanging up the cleats in 2023, Brady’s been on a full-blown collectibles bender — working with Fanatics, appearing at Fanatics Fest NYC, and even selling off his personal memorabilia at Sotheby’s in a $9 million “GOAT Collection” auction. You know, just in case you wanted to buy a piece of the man who broke Atlanta’s spirit in Super Bowl LI.

According to Inc., CardVault’s been growing faster than a Mahomes comeback — 338% growth over the last three years — and now ranks among America’s fastest-growing private companies.

At this rate, by 2030 Brady might own more card shops than passing records. And if you’re wondering whether he’s in this for the money or the hobby — remember: this is Tom Brady. The man doesn’t collect cards; he competes with them.

So, if you see a CardVault by Tom Brady pop up at your local mall, don’t be surprised. It’s not a pop-up shop — it’s another step in his ongoing quest to conquer every possible leaderboard on Earth.

PSA’s New Math: Pay More, Wait Longer, Smile Anyway

Let’s break it down, then pour a stiff drink.

Slow Burn: The New Wait Times

Because the backlog is now “unprecedented,” PSA is sliding extra days into its service windows. Expect to see patience (and mood swings) tested:

Standard Card Grading

  • Value Plus: 20 → 25 business days

  • Value Max: 15 → 20 business days

  • Regular: 10 → 15 business days

  • Express: 5 → 10 business days


Dual Service (Grading + Autograph Auth)

Because why just wait for one thing when you can wait for two:

  • Value Plus: 30 → 35 business days

  • Value Max: 25 → 30

  • Regular: 20 → 25

  • Express: 15 → 20

Comics & Magazines

Because slabbing paper is equally dramatic:

  • Modern: 20 → 35 business days

  • Vintage: 30 → 45 days

  • (Plus tiers also get bumped proportionally)

The Fine Print: Receiving Delays & When the Clock Truly Starts

PSA warns that receiving time—the stretch between “hey, we got your box” and “we entered your submission into the system”—is averaging 15 business days for Bulk and Value orders. The grading clock only starts once your submission is in the system. So yes, you could be waiting before the official waiting even begins.

Forum whisperings suggest even worse: orders stuck in “QA” for weeks, “Research” phases stretching forever. Some Value orders submitted to meet a 20-day target ended up returning after 40+, 50+ business days.

In other words: PSA’s “estimates” are turning into faint suggestions, like “maybe your turkey will be done by dinner.”

Show Me the Money: Fee Hikes

You liked the service? You’ll love the new prices:

Card Grading (Standard)

  • Value Bulk: $19.99 → $21.99

  • Value: $24.99 → $27.99

  • Value Plus: $39.99 → $44.99

TCG Bulk remains untouched for now.

Dual Service (Grading + Auth)

  • Value Bulk: $25.99 → $27.99

  • Value: $34.99 → $37.99

  • Value Plus: $54.99 → $59.99

This marks the second price hike already in 2025 for Popular/Value Bulk tiers, which earlier in January moved from $18.99 → $19.99.

Also worth flagging: PSA is planning new grading facilities (Toronto in fall 2025, full-scale in Frankfurt in 2026), and expansions in Boca Raton and Plano, to “improve capacity.”

Macro Context & Metrics: Why Now?

  • In the first six months of 2025, PSA reportedly graded 8.89 million cards, which is a steep load.

  • In 2024, PSA handled over 15.3 million items overall.

  • Earlier in July, they tried some damage control: they reduced the turnaround estimate for Value submissions from 65 to 45 business days. (Yes, they are at war with time itself.)

Even with those tweaks, collectors are vocal—and angry—that PSA delivered far slower in reality than its “revised” promises.

Meanwhile, competitors like SGC and Beckett are quietly watching. If PSA keeps this up, higher price and longer wait, it could push more folks to peel off.

Hot Takes (Because You Want Them)

  1. PSA is monetizing the backlog.
    This is less “we’re overwhelmed” and more “demand is so high we can squeeze more margin out of it.” It's the age-old trick: raise prices, slow service, and let the urgency of collectors do the rest.

  2. The “estimate starts when it’s in the system” clause is pure contract trickery.
    It’s like Starbucks telling you to wait, but only once the barista remembers your order. For high-volume, low-value submissions, that 15 day receiving lag becomes part of your hidden fee.

  3. Slab loyalty is fragile.
    PSA arguably built its dominance on perceived liquidity, prestige, and reliability. But stretch the wait times too far, and the “brand tax” becomes unjustifiable. Some cards, especially marginal ones, might not need to be graded if buyers can’t get them back in a marketable timeframe.

  4. This might be PSA’s turning point.
    Collectibles markets live on hype and scarcity. If PSA becomes synonymous with “slow and expensive,” that aura fractures. The next grading company that nails low cost + relatively fast turnaround will eat their lunch.

“Instagram Made Me Do It”: The Social Media Influence on Hype Watches and Its Shifting Paradigm

There’s no denying the upside. Social media has propelled brands—especially independents and microbrands—into the spotlight. A. Lange & Söhne, with its intricate craftsmanship, now reaches audiences that traditional advertising might have missed. Microbrands like Baltic Watches have leveraged Instagram’s reach to sell limited releases in minutes, cultivating communities as loyal as they are discerning.

Mainstream icons such as Rolex and Omega have adapted as well. Rolex’s 12 million Instagram followers speak to both its enduring prestige and the platform’s role in sustaining it. These posts aren’t just product shots—they’re lifestyle narratives that collectors eagerly buy into.

But the flip side is harder to ignore. The secondary market has seen wild fluctuations, with hype-driven posts inflating prices to unsustainable levels. Chrono24 reported that the average resale price of popular models like the Rolex Daytona jumped more than 20% in 2022 alone. The result? A bubble effect driven by FOMO, sometimes at the expense of horological substance.

Take the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Once celebrated for its design and rarity, it became an Instagram status symbol whose fame sent secondary prices sky-high—until Patek pulled the plug on production. Many buyers, swept up in the frenzy, found themselves owning watches that meant more to the market than to their passions.

Yet the same platforms fueling the frenzy also foster deeper knowledge-sharing. Collectors today can access unprecedented resources, connect directly with experts, and exchange insights with peers worldwide. That democratization of information empowers more informed—and more personally meaningful—purchases.

The key is remembering why we collect in the first place. Whether it’s the heartbeat of a mechanical movement or the legacy of a storied brand, our watches should reflect our journey, not just the latest algorithm-driven trend.

In the end, Instagram’s greatest power is connection—to stories, to heritage, and to each other. On platforms like WAX Collect, that connectivity goes beyond transactions, helping collectors curate pieces that truly resonate. So next time a post tempts you, ask: Is this my story, or am I just playing a role in someone else’s?

By embracing both the opportunities and the pitfalls, we can keep the joy of watch collecting authentic, enduring, and entirely our own.

Breaking Records and Setting Trends: The Resurgence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Collectible Legacy

The Market Dynamics at Play

In an era where tangible assets are increasingly sought after, this sale underscores the enduring appeal of iconic design pieces. According to Art Market Research, 2024 saw a 23% increase in global decorative arts sales volume, with Frank Lloyd Wright works appreciating by 18% year-over-year. These gains are fueled by craftsmanship, cultural significance, and the historical narratives embedded in each piece.

Provenance remains a powerful driver of value. The Dana-Thomas House, for which this lamp was originally commissioned, is a National Historic Landmark—a connection that elevates the lamp beyond mere design into a tangible piece of architectural history.

Decoding the Collectible Fever

The surge in demand for historical artifacts is part of a broader trend. In 2023, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index found that collectibles, including art and design, ranked among the best-performing asset classes, with a 16% annual return—outpacing many traditional investments.

New demographics are also reshaping the market. Younger collectors, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly active, drawn to the physicality and narrative richness of tangible assets. This shift reflects not just a taste for aesthetics, but a desire for investments that hold both cultural and financial weight.

Risk and Reward in Historical Investments

Investing in heritage pieces like Wright’s designs offers unique advantages, from serving as a hedge against inflation to diversifying wealth portfolios. Deloitte’s Art & Finance report notes that 73% of collectors now view their holdings as an integral part of their financial strategy.

However, the stakes are high. Rising demand has also led to an uptick in counterfeit attempts, particularly in high-value categories. For serious collectors, rigorous authenticity verification and provenance research remain non-negotiable. Advances in technology, including AI-driven verification tools, are helping mitigate these risks.

Forecasting the Future

With the global luxury market projected to grow by 5–7% annually through 2030, according to Bain & Company, appetite for rare, storied artifacts is expected to expand. Sustainability concerns are also pushing interest toward pre-owned, historically significant pieces—those with both timeless appeal and minimal environmental impact.

In this context, Frank Lloyd Wright’s work holds a unique position: blending aesthetic mastery, architectural history, and collectible value in a way that aligns perfectly with market momentum.

Swiss Watch Shock: The 39% Tariff Rumble in the Timepiece Jungle

Why should you care if you’re not planning on buying a brand-new Audemars Piguet this weekend? Because this tariff isn’t just about higher price tags; it’s about reshaping the collector landscape faster than you can say “pre-owned.”

The Pre-Owned Surge

In the immediate aftermath of this tariff tempest, the WAX Collect platform has seen a 27% spike in inquiries for pre-owned watches since August 7th. That’s a whole lot of collectors trying to dodge the import penalty and score pieces already sitting safely stateside. Pre-owned U.S.-held inventory is suddenly the belle of the ball, as buyers sidestep the new-watch sticker shock.

This isn’t a minor blip on the radar—it’s shaping up like the quartz crisis of the 1970s, only with more champagne. Collectors are pivoting fast to pre-owned gems that offer investment potential and the comfort of being tariff-free.

Non-Swiss Alternatives: A New Contender in the Ring

Let’s get one thing straight: Swiss watches aren’t the only cogs in the luxury machine. With the tariff turning heads, non-Swiss brands are suddenly getting the kind of attention usually reserved for a Daytona at auction. Grand Seiko, Nomos, and a handful of boutique American makers are stepping into the spotlight, offering world-class craftsmanship without the tariff drama.

WAX Collect data shows a 15% rise in interest for these non-Swiss luxury pieces—it’s like discovering your favorite indie band before they blow up. Savvy collectors are diversifying their portfolios, snapping up these under-the-radar brands before the rest of the market catches on.

The Market’s Next Move

As Switzerland strategizes for a workaround, the big question is whether we’ll see more Swiss brands setting up U.S. assembly to dodge the import hit. It wouldn’t be the first time the Swiss adapted with surgical precision. Until then, expect the pre-owned market and non-Swiss brands to enjoy their moment in the sun.

For the discerning collector, this is both a curveball and an opening pitch. The market is in motion, and those willing to play it smart—whether doubling down on pre-owned or diversifying with non-Swiss—stand to benefit the most.

WAX Collect’s real-time data and market tracking are proving invaluable in this new era, offering collectors a sharper edge in a suddenly more complex game. In an industry where timing is everything, knowing when to pivot could be the best investment decision you make all year.

And the next time you glance at your wrist, remember—you’re not just checking the hour. You’re reading the pulse of a market in the middle of a transformation.

The $350 million forgery that shook the sports memorabilia world

This month, the market was rocked by news that Brett Lemieux, a man from Westfield, Indiana, had allegedly confessed to orchestrating one of the most extensive sports memorabilia forgery operations ever uncovered—an estimated $350 million worth of counterfeit goods. Days later, Lemieux died by suicide, leaving behind a written confession and a trail of forged legends.

One man’s pen, Millions in Damage

According to federal investigators, Lemieux’s operation spanned decades. He reportedly faked autographs from titans like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Michael Jordan, using aging techniques and fake certificates of authenticity to pass them off as genuine. The fakes were sold at card shows, online auctions, and even through trusted resellers—many of whom were likely unaware they were complicit.

Collectors are now reckoning with what’s in their vaults. At WAX, we’ve seen a surge in inquiries about signature verification and provenance documentation. “It’s sobering,” said one WAX client who manages a seven-figure memorabilia portfolio. “You think you’ve done your homework—until a story like this breaks.”

The Market Reality

The U.S. sports memorabilia market is worth $6 billion, according to IBISWorld. If Lemieux’s forgeries truly reached $350 million in market value, his fakes represent nearly 6% of that figure. And that’s just one person.

This isn’t a fringe issue—it’s systemic.

A Turning Point

Lemieux’s death ended one chapter, but the story is far from over. Thousands of items he touched may still be in circulation—hanging in sports bars, tucked into portfolios, or filed under “insured” when they should be filed under “unknown.”

For serious collectors, this is the moment to reassess.

What’s real? What’s paper-backed versus data-backed? How do I know what I own?

Trust in this market is fragile. But it can be rebuilt—through documentation, due diligence, and digital safeguards.

If Lemieux proved anything, it’s that a single pen can fake greatness. But a smart collector knows better: real value doesn’t come from ink alone. It comes from knowing your story is solid.

Protect your business with solutions that boost your confidence.

Protect your business with solutions that boost your confidence.

Our Collectibles Insurance product is built for the business of luxury and collectibles—protecting the assets, the ecosystem, and everything that comes with it.

The Market for Luxury Jewelry

The luxury jewelry market is not just a playground for the affluent—it’s a serious arena for investment. According to Bain & Company, the global luxury jewelry market was valued at approximately $31 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 4–5% annually. This resilience is fueled by the market’s dual nature: offering both aesthetic pleasure and financial appreciation.

Jewelry that tells a unique story or introduces innovative design elements tends to appreciate more over time. Designers like Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami have proven that integrating unexpected, unconventional details can make pieces highly sought-after. Drake’s pendant, with a more kinetic or interactive element, could have positioned itself as a pioneering work in this evolving space.

Understanding Collector Behavior

Collectors in the high-end space aren’t just purchasing beautiful objects—they’re building legacies. They seek rarity, craftsmanship, and distinctive narratives that elevate a piece beyond its material value. Jewelry that incorporates movement or unconventional gemstone arrangements often resonates with these buyers, offering both artistic and experiential appeal.

Price Trends and Acquisition Strategies

Luxury jewelry prices often follow broader economic trends, but design innovation and brand storytelling can create sharp spikes in demand. For example, Tiffany & Co.’s whimsical “Bird on a Rock” brooch drove interest in similar pieces, increasing auction prices by nearly 20%, according to Sotheby’s.

For investors, the most compelling acquisitions often combine artistry with originality. Platforms like WAX Collect can be invaluable for spotting these opportunities early and tracking demand patterns.

Conclusion: Design as the Ultimate Value Driver

Drake’s Ice Box pendant stands as a testament to his taste for luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. Still, in the competitive world of investment-grade collectibles, the most sought-after pieces are those that merge technical mastery with bold, innovative storytelling.

In a market where every detail matters, the story behind a piece can be as valuable as the materials that compose it. For collectors and investors alike, the greatest returns come from designs that capture both the eye and the imagination.

The Market for Luxury Jewelry

The luxury jewelry market is not just a playground for the affluent—it’s a serious arena for investment. According to Bain & Company, the global luxury jewelry market was valued at approximately $31 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 4–5% annually. This resilience is fueled by the market’s dual nature: offering both aesthetic pleasure and financial appreciation.

Jewelry that tells a unique story or introduces innovative design elements tends to appreciate more over time. Designers like Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami have proven that integrating unexpected, unconventional details can make pieces highly sought-after. Drake’s pendant, with a more kinetic or interactive element, could have positioned itself as a pioneering work in this evolving space.

Understanding Collector Behavior

Collectors in the high-end space aren’t just purchasing beautiful objects—they’re building legacies. They seek rarity, craftsmanship, and distinctive narratives that elevate a piece beyond its material value. Jewelry that incorporates movement or unconventional gemstone arrangements often resonates with these buyers, offering both artistic and experiential appeal.

Price Trends and Acquisition Strategies

Luxury jewelry prices often follow broader economic trends, but design innovation and brand storytelling can create sharp spikes in demand. For example, Tiffany & Co.’s whimsical “Bird on a Rock” brooch drove interest in similar pieces, increasing auction prices by nearly 20%, according to Sotheby’s.

For investors, the most compelling acquisitions often combine artistry with originality. Platforms like WAX Collect can be invaluable for spotting these opportunities early and tracking demand patterns.

Conclusion: Design as the Ultimate Value Driver

Drake’s Ice Box pendant stands as a testament to his taste for luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. Still, in the competitive world of investment-grade collectibles, the most sought-after pieces are those that merge technical mastery with bold, innovative storytelling.

In a market where every detail matters, the story behind a piece can be as valuable as the materials that compose it. For collectors and investors alike, the greatest returns come from designs that capture both the eye and the imagination.

The Market for Luxury Jewelry

The luxury jewelry market is not just a playground for the affluent—it’s a serious arena for investment. According to Bain & Company, the global luxury jewelry market was valued at approximately $31 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 4–5% annually. This resilience is fueled by the market’s dual nature: offering both aesthetic pleasure and financial appreciation.

Jewelry that tells a unique story or introduces innovative design elements tends to appreciate more over time. Designers like Virgil Abloh and Takashi Murakami have proven that integrating unexpected, unconventional details can make pieces highly sought-after. Drake’s pendant, with a more kinetic or interactive element, could have positioned itself as a pioneering work in this evolving space.

Understanding Collector Behavior

Collectors in the high-end space aren’t just purchasing beautiful objects—they’re building legacies. They seek rarity, craftsmanship, and distinctive narratives that elevate a piece beyond its material value. Jewelry that incorporates movement or unconventional gemstone arrangements often resonates with these buyers, offering both artistic and experiential appeal.

Price Trends and Acquisition Strategies

Luxury jewelry prices often follow broader economic trends, but design innovation and brand storytelling can create sharp spikes in demand. For example, Tiffany & Co.’s whimsical “Bird on a Rock” brooch drove interest in similar pieces, increasing auction prices by nearly 20%, according to Sotheby’s.

For investors, the most compelling acquisitions often combine artistry with originality. Platforms like WAX Collect can be invaluable for spotting these opportunities early and tracking demand patterns.

Conclusion: Design as the Ultimate Value Driver

Drake’s Ice Box pendant stands as a testament to his taste for luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. Still, in the competitive world of investment-grade collectibles, the most sought-after pieces are those that merge technical mastery with bold, innovative storytelling.

In a market where every detail matters, the story behind a piece can be as valuable as the materials that compose it. For collectors and investors alike, the greatest returns come from designs that capture both the eye and the imagination.

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved