Elaborate, exuberant, glamorous – all are words that help to describe glorious gold and peridot demi-parure jewellery set that almost ended up at a charity shop, writes Charles Hanson.
The owner of this eye-catching suite of gems, which includes a matching necklace, earring, brooch/pendant and ring, thought it was costume jewellery, of no great value and had considered giving it to a charity shop. Its elaborate design led her to think this must be the case.
Luckily, valuer Jenny Knott came across the item tucked away in a scruffy cardboard box by chance. She had actually been asked to assess some silver at client’s London home but the jewellery turned out to be the star find.
Now its true pedigree have been recognised, it will go under the hammer on Wednesday, June 17 with an estimate of £700-£1,000 in a special one-day Jewellery, Gold, Silver and Watches Auction.
Gold and peridot demi-parure jewellery set. June 17 auction. Catalogue due live June 11.
A demi-parure is a suite of jewellery featuring two or more pieces. The French in particular delighted in wearing elaborate suites like this. The term parure comes from the French verb parer, meaning to adorn.
Napoleon was fond of lavishing gem suites on his beloved first wife Joséphine to wear at state functions. Later, he gave similar sets to his second wife, Marie-Louise. Artisans under Louis XIV were credited with some of the first parure inventions in the 18th century.
The demi-parure set for auction at Hansons is part of a major collection of luxury goods consigned from Oxfordshire. It’s now destined to gain the recognition it deserves thanks to its exposure to thousands of online bidders across the world. Other luxury items in the Oxfordshire collection include a Cartier eagle brooch and a Cartier clock
Items in Hansons’ June 17 Jewellery, Gold, Silver & Watches Auction. Catalogue due live June 11.
The demi-parure story reminds me of ring spotted in a ‘junk jewellery’ box at a charity shop and purchased for £5.50. Its owner took it to one of our free valuation events – and discovered it was a gold diamond ring worth £7,000-£8,000. To say she was thrilled is an understatement.
Another client found a gold bracelet left to her 15 years previously by an aunt when she was spring cleaning under a bed. It sold for £327.Not a bad return for a spot of dusting. Even broken gold jewellery can sell well at auction, such is the demand for this precious metal.
One lockdown find destined for glory in our July 2 Fine Art Auction is a superb Patek Phillipe gold watch, estimate £8,000-£12,000. Vintage designer watches are in hot demand. Patek Philippe, a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, was founded in 1839. It’s one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world and renowned for its quality.
Gold and vintage watch prices are hitting heady heights at auction and jewellery is sought after too. Consequently, we’re expecting strong buyer demand in our summer jewellery sales. As well as the special one-day event on June 17, gold, silver, jewellery and watches are a permanent fixture in our monthly Antiques and Collectors sales.
Valuer Isabel Murtough with Patek Phillipe gold watch, estimate £8,000-£12,000. July 2 Fine Art Auction.
June 18-24 marks the return of these general sales and we’re currently inviting entries for our July auctions. So, if you’ve found a lockdown treasure, or simply have something to sell, get in touch. We offer open-air, safe valuations at our Etwall Auction Centre six days a week, no appointment necessary, as well as virtual valuations.
Plus, we have an extra treat in store. On Monday, June 22, 10am-3pm, TV’s Kate Bliss, a familiar face on BBC Bargain Hunt, will be making a welcome return to Etwall Auction Centre to offer free valuations of jewellery and silver at our outdoor facility. No appointments are necessary and Kate would love to see you. Rest assured that all safety precautions, including social distancing, will be strictly adhered to.
So, what might you have at home that could bring you a good return at auction? The Top 10 items in our May Fine Jewellery, Silver and Watches Auction included lot 141, a natural pearl and diamond set necklace, which sold for £5,200. Lot 119, a diamond cluster 18ct white gold and platinum ring achieved £3,300 and lot 90, a Garrard & Co emerald and diamond ring made £3,000.
Free jewellery and silver valuations with Kate Bliss, June 22, Etwall Auction Centre, DE65 6LS, 10am-3pm.
Diamond ring bought from charity ship for £5.50; Victorian lizard bracelet sold for £1,250.
Most lots comfortably matched or exceeded their estimates including lot 93, Fope of Italy 18ct gold diamond earrings which made £540 and lot 98, a Victorian opal, ruby, emerald and diamond set serpent bangle which soared to £1,250.
Our May coins sale also achieved exceptional results with gold sovereigns routinely selling for £300 or more compared to around £100 a year ago.
Entries invited
Entries are invited for our summer sales which include general Antiques and Collectors, Jewellery and Watches, Fine Art, Toys, Sports Memorabilia, Militaria and more.
Free open air, safe valuations are available at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS, Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm; Wednesday, 5-7.30pm, and Saturday, 9am-noon.
For virtual valuations, appointments outside these hours, house clearance/downsizing quotes, please email: [email protected].
Stay safe and enjoy watching, or bidding, during our June auctions at www.hansonslive.co.uk which is also home to our catalogues.
