Gold and silver prices are soaring at auction and jewellery expert Kate Bliss can help you unleash a windfall at Easton Walled Gardens in September.
Kate, a familiar face on TV’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, will be at the Lincolnshire venue’s Autumn Country Market on September 6, 10am-3pm, to offer free jewellery and silver valuations.
Kate, a fellow of the Gemmological Association specialising in jewellery covering antique and vintage items to contemporary pieces, said: “It’s a stunning venue and I’m looking forward to meeting the people of Lincolnshire, assessing their belongings and potentially helping them realise their assets.
“It’s a good time to sell. Gold prices have surged by 30% this year. In uncertain economic times investors put their money into tangible assets like gold, silver and other precious metals.
“Consequently, auction results for gold have been particularly strong in recent months. For example, gold sovereigns have been selling for more than £300 at auction compared to around £100 a year ago. Even broken gold sells well.
“Come and see me and bring along anything you would like to know more about or would like to consign to auction. I often come across items that have been dismissed as costume jewellery but turn out to be precious and items can be consigned to auction on the day.”
Kate is a consultant valuer for Hansons Auctioneers, owned by fellow TV personality from the antiques world Charles Hanson. Items can be entered into Hansons’ monthly jewellery and silver sales.
Recent items found by Kate at free valuation events include a late 19th century German, gilt-metal singing bird box which could fetch more than £1,000 at auction and an Art Deco gold cigarette case, guide price £1,600-£1,800.
She said: “I’m excited to see how well they do at auction because estimates are being smashed at the moment. For example, in Hansons’ August jewellery sale two Victorian hard stone seals and a Georgian carved turquoise brooch made £480 from a £80-£120 estimate.”
Kate will be at Easton Walled Gardens, Easton Lane, Grantham, NG33 5AP, on September 6, 10am-3pm. The venue’s Autumn Country Market is being held that day. It will open to the Friends of Easton Walled Gardens from 10am and the general public from 11am-4pm. Tickets, priced £7.95 for adults, can be booked online at www.visiteaston.co.uk.
