Four exquisite pieces of jewellery that survived the Russian Revolution more than a century ago – including a ring featuring a rare stone – could be yours this September.
As well as being an object of beauty, the antique Russian alexandrite and diamond 15ct gold ring has a story to tell. An inherited object, its original owner, a white Russian, was forced to flee her country during the Russian Revolution in 1917. The ring and other items of jewellery in our September 23 Fine Art Auction went with her as they crossed Russia, Mongolia and Manchuria. The family were later forced to flee again, this time to South Africa, before eventually settling in England.
The alexandrite ring, lot 111, has an estimate of £800-£1,200 and deserves to do well due to the sheer beauty of its main gemstone alone. Often described by gem aficionados as ‘emerald by day, ruby by night’, alexandrite is the rare colour-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It was originally discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s.
In the same collection is lot 134, a striking early 20th century silver gilt and enamel brooch with floral enamel detail within a border or rope and granular decoration. Possibly Russian, its estimate is a very affordable £40-£60.
Another dazzling object is lot 124, an old-cut diamond 15ct gold ring, comprising a central cushion-cut diamond weighing approx. 0.70ct. Estimate £400-£600. Then there’s lot 140, a pair of early 20th Century 15ct gold circular disk earrings, comprising star set tourmaline in the centre also survived the Russian Revolution. Estimate £50-£60.
Hansons’ head of jewellery Helen Smith said: “These are exquisite pieces of jewellery with a fascinating history. Who wouldn’t want to own something so lovely that has reached these shores from Russia? As a gemstone specialist, I am completely taken by the colour-changing alexandrite ring – a special stone with a special story.”
View the September 23-24 Fine Art catalogue at www.hansonlive.co.uk. Free jewellery valuations are available at Hansons and items are invited for our monthly general and Fine Art jewellery sales. Email head of jewellery Helen Smith: [email protected]
