Bidding baubles adieu

With New York City’s housing market bustling with high activity, comparable to Diddy’s romantic enthusiasm, and numerous individuals engaging in real estate transactions, I took the opportunity to have a conversation with Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions.

He shared with me: “The Asian market is extremely active. Wealth generation is significant in China and throughout Asia. We’ve established a Heritage office in Tokyo just half a year ago. The sectors of pop culture, urban art, wine, and jewelry are experiencing tremendous success.”

“We sold Elton John’s piano for $900,000. ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers went for $32 million!

“At times, there’s an influence of nostalgia. Enthusiasts of history. Some are drawn to collecting coins, stamps, while others are passionate about baseball cards. It’s about the feeling of achievement. As their income grows, they curate collections. Often, they return to the items they collected during their youth.”

“There’s the social aspect. Art — it’s meeting people with similar interests. Travel with them, wine and dine with them. It becomes their social life.

“Heritage started 49 years ago. Rare coins. We were the first company out there.”

People unloading their homes now, what should they know?

“Furniture’s coming back. My tips would be: Don’t sell to someone outright. Get a couple of opinions.”

You guys ever been screwed?

“Sure. Happens with sports stars.”

Tell us how to handle valuables we might want to sell.

“Don’t jump at the first person who waves at you. Don’t be alone with the maybe buyer. Always have someone with you. Don’t leave jewelry lying around. For an auction house, pick one that’s been around. And get two or three opinions.”

At center stage

And if scratching around to see someone else’s collection, know that LA’s Grammy Museum will be showing off original Britney Spears outfits. Like from her 1999 “Baby One More Time” tour. Plus performance shmattas from her 2001 “Dream Within a Dream” tour. Part of its “& Juliet” exhibit, opening next week.

No need to thank me for this advance information.

Falling for a reunion

If you’re not a collector, pay attention. Whilst stuffing in Fresco by Scotto’s zucchini chips appetizer, Sherri Shepherd and Carrie Preston — who long back worked on short-lived “Emeril” — are back. Try catching them this fall on CBS’s Season 3 of “Elsbeth.”

The world’s getting smaller. The Near East is too near. And the Far East isn’t far enough. At the UN, no matter in whichever language you hear their diplomats, none of them make any sense.

And that’s only in New York, kids, only in New York.