Exclusively online auctions launched at Christie's with two test runs that vastly exceeded expectations, the online-only component of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, which totaled $9.5 million (it was estimated at just $1 million), and a recent charity auction of couture handbags by Hermès, which raised $229,000.

“The success of these two pilots demonstrates our clients around the world are eagerly embracing online-only sales as a regular addition to Christie’s calendar of traditional live auctions,” said Steven P. Murphy, CEO of Christie’s International, in a statement. “Over the past year, we have made a significant commitment to building our e-commerce platform so that we may now support online-only sales on a broader level. With this new initiative, collectors will be able to experience the full theater of the online auction experience year-round through Christies.com.”