A Victorian thirty stone garnet necklace, an Edwardian chiming pocket watch and a vintage Rolex proved some of the highlights for the Hertfordshire branch of Hansons last Friday 4th in a hugely successful Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver sale.
Paul Fox, Valuer at Hansons Hertfordshire comments “Whilst it is no surprise that more contemporary jewellery and watches continue to sell well, the market for vintage pieces such as we saw on Friday shows that there is interest abound in this particular category making it a particularly buoyant area of the market”
A rare 19th century garnet necklace with cross pendant, still in its original case, smashed past a top estimate of £800 to achieve a hammer price of £2750 (£4174.50 inc. premium) on the day, with competitive bidding coming from within the room and online and reflecting the quality of craftsmanship and rising popularity of a gemstone which saw such immense popularity in the Victorian era – their particular hue of red reflecting the deep passion and melodrama that permeated Victorian culture. A particularly impressive Victorian pink sapphire pendant followed in the same vein, achieving a hammer piece of £1250.
The rarely heard sound of the still functioning repeater on lot 210 rung through the saleroom as it sold for an impressive £3720 hammer price, showing an enduring appreciation of fine quality watchmaking from the pre-wristwatch era. Crafted by watchmaker J. Joseph & Son, based in London but also with a South African branch in Port Elizabeth reflecting the expanse of the early 20th century British Empire, and cased by London goldsmith Philip Woodman & Sons, the musical chime and chronograph function are further evidence of a timepiece of rare quality.
A vintage Rolex wristwatch in 14 carat gold saw similar success; the Oyster Chronometer, a “Bubble Back” example, named for the domed screw on back, soared past it’s top estimate to achieve a £2000 hammer price, again proving the resilience of the Rolex brand and the affection of collectors for the pieces produced by the great watchmaker in the middle of the 20th century. More modern examples also continued to display their popularity, with a Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronometer achieving a hammer price of £1250 and a Tag Heuer “Monza” Automatic Chronograph making £850.
Other highlights include a Tiffany suite comprising necklace, bracelet and watch, all in 14 carat gold makine £10,000, and two gold charm bracelets each selling for over £2000, further evidence that the popularity of such pieces shows no signs of slowing down.
Consignments are now being consigned for the December edition, to find out more or receive a free valuation, please get in touch with [email protected]
