According to antiques valuers in the U.K., auction prices have been climbing steadily for leading English silversmiths of the 18th and 19th centuries, including works by Paul de Lamerie, Hester Bateman and Paul Storr. Other strong categories include antique armor and jewellery, which increased 37 per cent in the past year, reflecting interest in gold as an investment. Gold was trading at $1,115 per ounce on February 16, up more than 16 per cent from 12 months earlier.