Here, Hansons’ head of jewellery Helen Smith highlights the star lots in Hansons’ December Fine Jewellery and Watches Auction.
Hansons’ Christmas Fine Art Jewellery and Watches Showcase sparked bidding mania thanks to an impressive collection of antique and designer jewellery and watches.
For example, we had a lovely array of Georgian items which included wonderful history-laden jewellery. The vendor had no idea how desirable her objects would be, in particular Lot 54, a Georgian yellow topaz ring originally worn by the Duchesse de Biron, a victim of the French Revolution who lost her head to the guillotine in 1795.
The ring was sold together with an oval portrait miniature, reported to be the Duchesse de Biron, and original documents relating to her. The items sold for £1,300 from an estimate of £700-£1,000. Its success proves that Georgian jewellery stands the test of time with unusual pieces commanding high prices. Provenance is key when selling items of this age. People love a tantalising historical story, no matter how gruesome.
With a more delicate tone and decorative in nature, Lot 149, a 19th century continental gold, enamel and spinel pendant with fine detailing of a lady painting a cherub sold for £750, above its estimate of £400-500.
Also popular was an Art Deco ruby ring, Lot 57, which put our telephone bidders in a frenzy, Art Deco always proves popular with bidders. It reached £1,400 tripling an estimate of £300-£500.
The star of the show was glitzy Lot 60, a stunning diamond-set eternity ring with five carats of diamonds. It made a whopping £7,000, well above its estimate of £2,500.
Diamonds have a timeless appeal attracting an array of buyers. Who wouldn’t want a diamond ring such as Lots 81 and 94? Diamond solitaire rings are simple yet classic. Plus, no outfit is complete without a pretty brooch such as Lot 78 – a stylised bow brooch, typical of the glamorous 1950s era.
Packing a punch, the perfect cocktail ring was Lot 92 , an aquamarine and diamond ring, perfect for festive cheer, a statement ring bound to get you noticed. Another great Christmas accessory was Lot 138, a ruby and 18ct gold woven link bracelet adorned with round-cut rubies and diamonds. Highly flexible, it sits on the skin with the ease of fabric and sold for £1,800.
Luxury designer brands made an impact in the sale including Louis Vuitton, a company founded in 1854. Lot 66, a Louis Vuitton 18ct gold monogram bracelet, comprising alternate links of LV initials and carved flower motifs, still with its original box, sold for £1,000 while Lot 86, a stunning pair of Louis Vuitton hoop earrings from the Idylle Blossom collection, again featuring the LV monogram and round petal quatre-foil flowers set with diamonds, reached £420
For timeless style, the Rolex wristwatch is synonymous with luxury, coveted by many and has been made iconic by James Bond. The most popular watch is the Oyster Perpetual which was the world’s first waterproof timepiece. Worn by Mercedes Gleitze during her epic cross-Channel swim in 1927, the Oyster earned its place at the heart of the Rolex empire.
Pre-owned Rolex and Tudor Rolex is a rapidly growing market achieving strong prices at auction. The saleroom enables first-time buyers to own an entry level Rolex they may not otherwise be able to afford. Lot 171A, a vintage Oyster perpetual Day-Date Superlative 18ct gold watch sold for £4,600.
Kate Bliss will be at Etwall Auction Centre on Friday, January 10,
Entries invited for Spring Fine Jewellery, Silver & Watches Auction
Hansons is now inviting entries for its March 31 Fine Jewellery, Silver & Watches Auction at Etwall. Deadline for entries February 28.
For further information, please contact Helen Smith on 01283 733988 or email [email protected] Free valuations for all manner of jewellery and watches are held every Monday and Friday, 10am to 4pm, at Etwall Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS.
Hansons also holds numerous free valuation days across the UK with expert Kate Bliss, who will be at Hansons’ Etwall Auction Centre on Friday, January 10, 10am-3pm.
Home visits for large collections and probate/insurance valuations can be arranged by appointment. Call 01283 733988.
