Romance touched the heart of our jewellery valuer Isabel Murtough when a beautiful century-old diamond and pearl drop-bar brooch was brought to our saleroom. You could say she fell in love.
It came in its original fitted box bearing the initials of the vendor’s grandfather, ‘H.S’, and those of the woman he gave it to, ‘D.S’, the seller’s grandmother. The box also revealed the date of the romantic gesture, June 10, 1916, and its seller, The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company of Regents Street, London.
With Valentine’s Day drawing near, it’s a sweet, 104-year-old reminder of why jewellery has enormous sentimental value. You can imagine the emotion and delight that must have swept over the receiver of this gift as she opened the box.
Jewellery is the ultimate gift of love. Diamonds have long been a girl’s best friend and rings have been a symbol of everlasting love for centuries.
Aside from its beauty and quality, this brooch may be sought after for another reason. We are seeing a trend emerge to own items brimming with the romance of history and age. The brooch enters our March 31 Fine Jewellery Auction, estimate £500-£700.
That may not be in time for Valentine’s Day but if we’ve inspired you to shop vintage or antique, we also have a jewellery auction on February 13 at our Etwall headquarters.
Plus, on Thursday February 6, 10am-3pm, TV’s Kate Bliss will be offering free jewellery and silver valuations at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS.
Jewellery experts are available Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, every week at Etwall Auction Centre. To arrange a free jewellery valuation, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
