Diamonds always dazzle but even my jewellery experts, who spend every day assessing treasures, were goggle-eyed when an Art Deco ring arrived at our Derbyshire HQ, writes Charles Hanson.
Why? Well, this giant gem boasts a 6ct stone – and not just an ordinary stone, a very impressive one according to our jewellery experts. It’s an emerald cut and such is its beauty, clarity and weight, the ring will go into our Christmas Fine Art Auction with an estimate of £30,000.
Impressed? We certainly were but perhaps you can do better? Perhaps you have an even bigger gem tucked away? We wouldn’t be surprised because we regularly unearth gold and diamonds in them there Derbyshire hills.
If a festive windfall appeals, on Thursday, November 1 Hansons’ consultant and fellow regular on TV’s Bargain Hunt, Kate Bliss, will be at our saleroom in Heage Lane, Etwall, from 10am-4pm, to do free jewellery, watch and silver valuations.
She’d love to discover some sparkling surprises for our Christmas Fine Art Jewellery Auction on December 3. Pop down to see her – the more the merrier. Right now, we’re experiencing something of a gold – and diamonds – rush but there’s room for more.
Hot lots just in include a stunning Cartier Pasha watch boasting 18ct white gold and a myriad of diamonds, estimate £4,000. We also have a lady’s Rolex Pearlmaster watch featuring 18ct gold and diamonds. Still in its immaculate presentation box, it has a guide price of £6,000.
Then there’s a beautiful gold diamond ring which shimmers with a central natural yellow diamond and a 2ct Champagne diamond ring. Both have estimates of £4,000.
Moving to a different area of expertise, Chinese art and ceramics expert Lars Tharp is at Hansons on Monday, October 29, from 10am-4pm.
Lars, a familiar face on TV’s Antiques Roadshow, is carrying out free Asian art valuations. To make an appointment, call 01283 733988 or email [email protected]
Lars, a Danish-born British historian, lecturer and broadcaster, specialises in Chinese ceramics and works of art. He is an expert in his field and it’s wonderful to have him with us as a guest consultant.
His arrival reminds me of a find that grabbed the headlines last Christmas. Three small Chinese bowls, bought in Nottingham junk shops in the 1950s and 1960s for no more than £1 each, sold for £62,000.
Finally, I have a small favour to ask. I would love to find some antique Christmas decorations or baubles to bring a festive flavour to Hansons. Perhaps you have the oldest piece of preserved mistletoe or antique Christmas cards? It would be amazing to deck the halls in vintage style when TV’s Bargain Hunt film their Christmas special with us on November 15. If you can fill me with Christmas joy you know where I am.
Lars Tharp is at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, on Monday, October 29, 10am-4pm. Call 01283 733988 to make an appointment. Kate Bliss is at the same venue on Thursday, November 1, 10am-4pm, no appointment needed.
Plus, Hansons offer free jewellery and silver valuations on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10am-4pm and free general valuations on Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon. Their valuers are also at Fairways Garden Centre, Clifton, Ashbourne, every Monday, 2.30-4pm. To find out more, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
