Belgian antique dealers Eloy and Winifred Van Paridon are living testimony to the lengths collectors will go to find that next elusive bargain.

Avid attendees at auctions held in European castles, they often arose early for 4am sojourns to snow covered antique fairs – searching by torchlight for what might turn out to be increasingly valuable treasures.

Both have antiques in the blood for they are children and grandchildren of antique dealers, dating back to a time when dealing was totally different to today’s world.

Jewellery is among the top attractions at Gibson’s Autumn Auction Series from 10.30am Monday May 25 at 885-889 high Street, Armadale.

However, given current concerns over the spread of the coronavirus throughout Australia, viewing will for this auction will be by appointment only.

One of the major features in this category is a yellow and white diamond dress ring (lot 519) with a catalogue estimate of $20,000-$25,000.

With Australia still operating under heavy restrictions following the hundreds of thousands of deaths and economic destruction worldwide caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Leski Auctions is the first of the Melbourne-based auction houses to hold a full-blown sporting memorabilia sale involving 716 lots – its biggest for many years.

The auction, from 12pm Sunday May 10 (Mothers’ Day) at 727-729 High Street Armadale, covers valued and historic football, cricket, billiards, boxing, golf, horse racing, tennis, motor sports and Olympic Games items.

Gibson’s Auctions is continuing its dalliance with timed online auctions in Melbourne with a stockroom sale which will start closing from 10.30am Thursday April 30 at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.

Viewing is only online and where multiple bids occur within five minutes of the time any particular lot is due to close, its closing time will be extended by a further five minutes.

The stockroom auction contains a wide variety of items including furniture, art, clothing, bags, shoes, and various collectables.