A new jewellery expert has joined the team at Hansons Holloway’s Ross in Banbury – and she’s looking forward to uncovering dazzling finds.
Melissa Lee-Patrick, a gemmologist and jewellery enthusiast, will be offering free valuations of jewellery, silver and watches every Thursday, 10am-2pm by appointment, at the Parsons Street saleroom.
Melissa is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain; a Gemological Institute of America Applied Jewelry Professional; student member of the Jewellery Valuers Association and member of the Society of Jewellery Historians.
Having left a career in child protection to pursue her studies, Melissa has gained experience in the field by trading in jewellery, silverware and glass through antiques centres in Northamptonshire. In addition, she has worked with auction houses and antiques dealers to identify and evaluate jewellery and gemstones.
She said: “Jewellery and gemstones have held an allure for me since childhood. When I reached a point in my life where I was able to study them in greater detail I was hooked. Jewellery is an enduring part of people’s life stories. Holding an antique piece often connects you to someone’s individual or family history.
“In my work with Hanson Holloway’s Ross I’m looking forward to meeting people who want to know more about their jewellery and silver. I can help them appreciate the true value of items they may have tucked away in drawers, jewellery boxes or cupboards.
“If they decide to consign to auction with us, I see it as an honour to be trusted with their most treasured possessions. It is my duty, along with the whole team, to help them through their journey with Hanson Holloway’s Ross.”
Charles Hanson, owner of the auction firm, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Melissa to the team to enhance the services we already offer at our Banbury saleroom. Our monthly auctions are extremely successful offering a wide range of objects including jewellery, silver and watches. These items regularly deliver top prices for clients thanks to our global audience of online bidders.
“Antique and vintage jewellery is highly sought after and gold and silver consistently achieve strong prices. For example, in a recent Banbury sale, a Belle Époque sapphire and diamond 18ct gold pendant brooch reached £1,500 and a pair of George III silver candlesticks made in 1761 achieved £1,450.”
Free valuation events
To book a free valuation with Melissa at Hanson Holloway’s Ross, Thursdays 10am-2pm, please call 01295 817777 or email [email protected]. General antiques valuations are available on Thursdays, 10am-4pm. The Banbury saleroom hosts a variety of specialist valuation events throughout the year to assess stamps, militaria, coins and banknotes, Asian art and toys and railwayana. Contact the saleroom to find out more. Home visits and house clearance/downsizing services also available.
