A dazzling Art Deco diamond ring ‘to die for’ is among hundreds of antique treasures visitors can browse and buy amid the atmospheric splendour of a Georgian mansion this Christmas.
Period property Bishton Hall in Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, will play host to Hansons Auctioneers’ Christmas Fine Art and Jewellery Auction from December 18-20.
And the Derbyshire auction house has unearthed a dazzling array of finds destined to delight should they end up under a Christmas tree.
Hansons’ head of jewellery Helen Smith said: “We have some simply stunning jewellery in this sale – the ultimate in Christmas gifts.
“The star of the show is a gem to die for, a huge 6ct emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring. It’s the diamond of any girl’s dreams, cut in a geometric shape which captures the very essence of Art Deco style. Its estimate is £30,000-£50,000.
“Art Deco style comes to the fore again as we also have a diamond and sapphire halo cluster ring with a strong geometric shape, estimate £3,000-£4,000. And If you like ear-rings, Art Deco examples include a diamond and pearl set, a diamonds-only set with an elegant shape and ruby and diamond clip ear-rings. The latter has an estimate of £4,000-£5,000.
“If you want to feel, and look, like a movie star this Christmas, we can oblige. Jewellery in our Fine Art sales is always exceptional, the very best pieces we come across, but good value compared to high street prices.”
The auction will also include designer watches, silver, connoisseur ceramics and glass, works of art, clocks, barometers, paintings, furniture and antiquarian books.
In addition, if you’re looking for an exceptional festive tipple, port made in 1878 and champagne from 1929 have been found in the cellar of Bishton Hall, a property which dates back to 1750.
The 130-year-old Fielding port from 1878 has an estimate of £100. There’s also a rare Graham’s vintage port from 1934, guide price £600-£800, and a bottle of Warre’s port from the 1950s, estimate £200-£300.
In total, around 35 bottles of wine, champagne and port from Bishton Hall will go under the hammer on December 19. In the same sale, but found at a free valuation event, is a bottle of Midleton Very Rare Irish whisky from 1984, estimate £1,500-£2,500.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “I can’t think of anything better than browsing beautiful antique furniture, collectibles and jewellery treasures in the stunning surroundings of a classic English country mansion at Christmas.
“We held our Autumn Fine Art Auction at Bishton Hall and it attracted more than 1,000 visitors, hence our decision to return. We wanted to make Christmas extra special for everyone.”
Hansons’ Christmas Fine Art and Jewellery Auction will run from December 18-20 at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN, starting at 11am each day. Viewing: Sunday, December 16, noon-5pm; Monday December 17, 11am-7pm, and on sale days from 9am until the auctions begin. To find out more, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.
