Everything begins with the public pre-sale exhibition, free and open to all, where the lots can be examined up close (handling them, however, is at the visitor's own risk). To bid, you must register with the house: Christie's recommends doing so at least 24 hours before the sale, and the paddle is collected on presentation of photo ID and proof of address; at Phillips, absentee bids and telephone bid requests must also arrive at least 24 hours in advance. No paid ticket is required. In the saleroom, bidding generally opens below the low estimate and moves up in increments of up to 10 percent, at the auctioneer's discretion. A cardinal rule: a bid is irrevocable, and can no longer be canceled once placed. The winning lot is invoiced to the name and address under which the paddle was registered, with no transfer possible. For lots of very high value, a financial guarantee or deposit may be required per lot. Two dates illustrate the calendar: Sotheby's Paris evening sale Modernités, on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 5 pm (exhibition free to visit, registration on sothebys.com), and Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva, on November 10, 2026, with registration via a My Christie's account.