Arachnophobes everywhere may be shocked to see this spider in our saleroom. But unlike the usually black and hairy variety this little number is rather glamorous as spiders go.
For a start it’s made of 18 carat gold and features a stunning large opal in a shimmering shade of translucent blue, plus a ruby for good measure.
It’s destined for our June 28 Fine Art Jewellery and Watches Showcase along with a host of other antique treasures inspired by different historical periods.
It was the Victorians who unleashed nature into the world of jewellery, making bugs, bees, dragonflies – and even spiders – a thing of beauty.
No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewellery attributed to it than the Victorian era. Such was Queen Victoria’s lengthy reign – 1837 to 1901 – there was plenty of time for trends to come and go.
During the Romantic period, 1837-1860, jewellery was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone.
The serpent symbolises eternity and, just as the world is swept along today by the romance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – who tie the knot on May 19 – his gift inspired the Victorians to like jewellery that was sentimental and full of symbolism.
Right now, Meghan’s engagement ring is hot news for similar reasons. It was designed by Prince Harry and custom made by court jewellers Cleave and Company using one diamond sourced from Botswana and two smaller stones from Princess Diana’s collection.
Again, sentiment and symbolism come to the fore as Harry honours his mother and Botswana – the place where the young couple’s love was said to blossom.
In Victorian times, it was common to express your devotion with rings symbolising the words ‘regard and ‘dearest’. Pieces of jewellery were set with stones that corresponded to each letter – ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, and diamond.
Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The heartbroken Queen donned black clothing and went into mourning. Her taste for jewellery reflected her deep sorrow. We see several pieces of mourning jewellery at Hansons, often featuring a loved one’s hair.
Hair jewellery became incredibly intricate and some pieces were made with strands from various family members woven into a complex floral pattern.
Just like the royals of the past or present, Hansons’ passion for jewellery knows no bounds. We see an extraordinary variety of antique and vintage gems – and many people are flabbergasted when they find out how much they’re worth.
Just a few days ago, we took in a diamond ring bought at a charity shop for £5.50. Its estimate is £7,000-£8,000. A dazzling diamond to consider if you’re planning to pop the question.
More entries are invited for our Summer Fine Art Auction until June 1. Free jewellery valuations every Tuesday at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, 9.30am-4.30pm, and every Friday, 10am-4pm. Also, free general valuations on Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon. To find out more, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.
