Hundreds of beautiful objects will go under the hammer on December 5 in our Christmas Fine Jewellery, Silver and Watches Auction. Here, our jewellery experts Helen Smith and Isabel Murtough pick out seven of their favourite items.
Time to dazzle? Lot 169
Hundreds of diamonds shimmer on every visible surface of this 18ct gold gentleman’s Cartier Santos 100 XL diamond set pink gold watch with original Cartier alligator strap, below left. It’s simply beautiful to behold. Estimate £30,000-£35,000.
Miniatures with Magical Provenance | Lot 55
If you love history you will adore these two miniatures, above right, a brooch and pendant, featuring portraits of Charles Woolfe, of Hasely Court, Oxfordshire. They come with their original receipt, dated 1768, and a letter from 1859. It reads, ‘A miniature of the late Charles Wolfe of Hasely Court, Oxfordshire … Charles Wolfe was a college friend of Joseph Blount at Donay and he left considerable property to my father, the above-named Joseph Blount. Charles Wolfe died abroad’. The letter reveals that Charles died in 1768, aged 20. Estimate £100-£150.
Ring with a tale to tell | Lot 54
On the theme of provenance, we’re selling an early 18th century topaz dress ring, below, bottom left, with original documents relating to the Duchesse de Biron. The ancient notes reveal that she lost her head in the French Revolution in July, 1795. The lot includes a portrait of her seated in a bedroom wearing a black dress. On the reverse, a label states, ‘La Duchesse de Biron when in assertation at the English convent during the French Revolution, before she was taken out to be Guillotined’. Estimate £700-£1,000.
Bracelet brilliance | Lot 138
If you want turn heads, or give a loved one something to smile about on Christmas morning, this ruby and diamond 18ct gold fancy link woven bracelet, above, top left, would make a wonderful gift. Estimate £2,000-£3,000.
Pendant Perfection | Lot 71
If you adore fine objects, chances are you’ll love Bvlgari, an Italian luxury brand known for its jewellery, watches, fragrances and accessories. This sale features a wonderful Bvlgari diamond and rose gold coiled ring pendant, below left, estimate £1,000-£1,500.
The look of love | Lot 119
If love is in the air, why not treat someone to these sky blue topaz and 18ct gold heart-shaped earrings, above right, estimate £300-£500.
Luxury touch | Lot 86
Louis Vuitton is another luxury brand people know and love and we have sourced some ravishing 18ct gold and diamond Louis Vuitton hoop earrings, above, top right, estimate £300-£500.
What our experts say
Helen Smith, head of jewellery: “Our Fine Art Jewellery, Watches and Silver Auctions brings together the very best items, carefully sourced and assessed over recent weeks. These are exceptional, often unique items. If you want to find something truly magical for yourself, or as a gift, this is the place to look.”
Isabel Murtough said: “This is a stunning collection of jewellery and watches awash with diamonds and other magnificent precious gem stones. There is so much to choose from, it’s hard to pick out favourites. If you’re tempted, please join us at to one of our preview days. We’d be delighted to advise.”
Preview the Fine Jewellery, Silver and Watches Auction at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LS, on Tuesday, December 3, 10am-4pm, and Wednesday December 4, 11am-7pm. The auction takes place on Thursday December 5 from 10am. To find out more, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Catalogue due live November 29. Visit www.hansonslive.co.uk to browse.
