Buy with Confidence

M.S. Rau is committed to building a long and rewarding relationship with each of our clients. Whether you are acquiring an important work of art, a rare jewel or an exceptional object, you can do so with complete confidence—backed by our incomparable guarantee and the exemplary service that has been our hallmark since 1912.

125% guarantee

Purchase with complete confidence backed by our exceptional 125% guarantee: return any acquisition in its original condition for full credit on comparable items from our gallery, catalog or website at the marked retail price, plus 5% appreciation annually for up to five years following purchase. That’s a guaranteed 25% appreciation in value.

Expert Sales Consultants

Our expert consultants provide personalized guidance grounded in deep knowledge of fine art, antiques, and jewelry.

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On Approval Policy

For clients unable to visit our New Orleans gallery, many items can be shipped for in-person examination before committing.

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Professional Packing & Shipping

All items are professionally packed and fully insured for secure worldwide delivery by trusted carriers.

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Security & Privacy

Your privacy and security are protected through advanced encryption and strict confidentiality practices.

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Returns & Exchanges

Return any item in original condition for full store credit, with shipping costs excluded.

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Payment Options

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and bank transfers for your convenience.

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Authenticity Warranty

Each piece we offer is guaranteed authentic and covered by our comprehensive warranty.

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Fine art acquisitions

Consultation

Our experts provide confidential advisory services for collectors at all stages—from beginning collections to refining established ones.

Sourcing

We leverage our international network to locate specific artworks or artists not currently in our collection.

Documentation

We provide valuations, condition reports, research dossiers and certificates for most works. All transported art is fully insured.

Installation

We advise on optimal lighting, display and preservation, collaborating with designers and advisors as needed.

Museum Placements

We regularly loan works to museums for exhibitions and place paintings in their permanent collections. Some of our recent institutional clients include the Musée d’Orsay, the Barnes Foundation and the Dallas Museum of Art.

Conservation

We prioritize artwork requiring minimal intervention. When necessary, we employ accredited conservators who perform reversible, museum-standard treatments. Condition reports are available upon request.

Antique acquisitions

Antique Services

Our greatest strength lies in the expertise of our sales team, curators and leadership. Whether starting a collection or enhancing your home, our knowledge guides your acquisition process with efficiency and enjoyment.

Documentation

We prioritize works with signatures, maker’s marks and significant provenance. Our research team thoroughly documents each item, providing relevant historical information when available.

Acquisition Sourcing

With a century of global connections, our team can locate specific pieces beyond our current inventory to complete your collection.

Delivery & Installation

Professional staff handle packaging, shipping and setup of all acquisitions, including complex objects such as armoires and dining tables.

Conservation

Our in-house restoration professionals maintain items in optimal condition, focusing on preserving the integrity of the object.

Trade Program

We support design professionals with dedicated consultants, in-home trials, secure documentation, presentation materials and trade discounts.

Jewelry acquisitions

Expert Consultation

Our GIA-certified gemologists and consultants bring extensive industry experience to assist with all acquisitions.

Certification

Most of our rare stones are professionally graded by trusted laboratories, including GIA, EGL, AGL and Gübelin, with provenance documentation provided when available.

Complimentary Appraisals

Our certified gemologists provide complimentary appraisals for new purchases upon request to facilitate proper insurance coverage.

Sizing & Adjustments

We provide sizing and adjustment services for appropriate items, including earring conversion options for an additional fee.

Secure Shipping

All jewelry ships fully insured via Parcel Pro, UPS’s specialized secure division.

Featured press

M.S. Rau’s expertise and extraordinary offerings are regularly highlighted in prestigious publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes and European publications that cover important art fairs such as TEFAF. See what the press has to say about our position as the foremost authority in fine art, antiques and jewelry.