A stunning collection of honey-coloured beads – including much sought-after amber – could potentially fetch thousands of pounds at auction.
The summery array, brought along to Hansons Auctioneers’ free Monday jewellery valuation event, is destined to go under the hammer on December 17 – in time to make someone’s day at Christmas.
Isabel Murtough, jewellery expert at Hansons said: “It’s a fabulous collection. We’re currently carefully assessing all the beads. Amber has been hot property in the saleroom for some time as it’s in demand.
“The collection contains various types and colours including egg yolk and cherry amber which are both highly sought after. There is also Bakelite and dyed amber in a variety of shades. Guide prices range from £20 to £600, so there’s something for every pocket.
“If you have any amber jewellery to sell, it’s advisable to do so now. Demand from the Chinese market has inflated prices. In a recent sale, Hansons sold a set of butterscotch amber beads for £1,300.
“Sometimes amber is mistaken for costume jewellery, or vice versa, but we can check that for you. Bring it along and we’ll take a look.
“Amber is deeply entwined with China’s history and heritage. It’s valued for its healing qualities in folk medicine as well as its beauty.
“In ancient China, it was customary to burn amber during large festivities. If amber is heated under the right conditions, oil of amber is produced, and in past times this was combined with nitric acid to create artificial musk.”
Hansons offers free jewellery, silver and watch valuations every Monday and Friday, 10am-4p, at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS. It holds monthly jewellery auctions, the next one being on December 17, and is inviting entries now for its January sale. To find out more, email [email protected].
