Sparkle is more important than ever this Christmas as we hope for a better 2021 and endeavour to deliver some much-needed cheer to family and friends.
Some have put up their festive decorations early while others are working hard to rustle up surprises and gifts to delight. Hansons can assist in that endeavour thanks to the plethora of beautiful objects uncovered during lockdown, not least some particularly exquisite items of jewellery.
Our Derbyshire Fine Art Auction on December 7-8 is awash with stunning objects, some unique or rare, and many could make someone’s Christmas. Day one will see ceramics, works of art, paintings, wine and furniture go under the hammer while day two will deliver a glittering array of fine silver, jewellery and watches
A beautiful necklace, brooch, bracelet or earrings are classic gifts and, of course, festive marriage proposals need that all-important spectacular ring. Items of adornment have existed since ancient times and rings have long since been a symbol of everlasting love.
If you’re looking for something truly different, auctions offer exceptional pieces and good value compared to high street prices. Antique or vintage options abound and our experts have the knowledge to guide you.
Our head of jewellery Helen Smith, a qualified jewellery maker herself, has picked out some of her favourites to whet your appetite but you can browse all the lots at our catalogue/bidding platform www.hansonslive.co.uk. Our online services and postage department have come into their own this year as, just like Amazon, you can buy from the comfort of your armchair and have your item delivered.
Brooch conjures up snowflake magic
If you’re looking for a jewellery design bursting with winter flavour, how about a circa 1930s Christmas brooch that looks like a snow flake? An eye-catching beauty coming up for auction is a diamond-set, platinum oval brooch worthy of a screen goddess from the golden days of Hollywood. It’s set to the centre with an old-cut 0.90 carat diamond and boasts a starburst surround of grain-set old-cut diamonds, estimate £700-£1,000.
Earrings with double the impact
Feeling blue? How about some aquamarine drop earrings with interchangeable diamond tops so you can wear them two ways to suit your look? This ravishing pair of diamond and aquamarine earrings in 18ct white gold have a guide price of £700-£1,000.
Victorian drama for the party season
Still on the theme of earrings, Helen particularly admires a pair of Victorian Etruscan revival earrings, each comprising a round cabochon garnet set to the centre within a double border of white enamel dots and rope edge border, plus shimmering tassel detail, estimate £600-£800.
Designer time piece to delight
Ticking on with the watches theme, a gents’ Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre wristwatch with silvered rectangular dial is ultra-stylish and collectable. Art Deco designs are sought after today and, as well as being a pleasure to wear, vintage time pieces are gaining value. This example has a guide price of £400-£600.
Pocket watch that dazzles inside and out
Watches and pocket watches are classic Christmas gifts and one pocket watch we have coming up for auction has a striking movement which, according to Helen, is such an exceptional example of skill and craftsmanship it’s worthy of display. The George III silver open-faced pocket watch featuring white enamel dial, black Arabic numerals and blue hands, marked ‘J Buttew, M Hoxton’ has an estimate of £100-£150.
Giant of a diamond ring
Diamonds have long since been a girl’s best friend and we see many fine examples. In fact, auctions are the place to find jaw-droppingly large stones. We have a whopper of a diamond and platinum ring coming up for sale blessed with a central brilliant-cut diamond of 3.8 carats. Its guide price is £8,000-£12,000 but what a dazzling gift for someone special.
Sapphire sophistication
Equally eye-catching is a blue sapphire and diamond 18ct white gold cluster ring, the central stone weighing 1.8 carats. It features a row of channel-set tapered calibre-cut sapphires within a border of old-cut, grain-set graduated diamonds. The total diamond weight is 2.65 carats. Its guide price is £3,000-£4,000.
This is just a small example of the delights on offer in a bumper Fine Art Auction week featuring a rich array of antiques, collectables and vintage finds. As well as our Derbyshire Fine Art Auction on December 7-8 we have a Christmas Ceramics and Glass Auction on December 9 and a Christmas Fine Arts and Library Auction at Bishton Hall on December 10-11.
In the meantime, if the latest lockdown has led you to some items you’re considering selling at auction, we are welcoming consignments for our January sales which include our general monthly Antiques and Collectors Auction, Toy Auction and Winter Fine Art Auction. Make an appointment to have your items assessed by our valuers at Etwall Auction Centre by emailing: [email protected] or book a free home visit. All Covid-19 safety regulations are adhered to.
All auction catalogues are published on our online bidding platform www.hansonslive.co.uk where you can register to bid online.
Jewellery to sell?
We hold jewellery auctions every month and prices have been strong throughout 2020. We can assess your valuables for free. To make an appointment for an appraisal or find out more, please email our head of jewellery Helen Smith: [email protected] If you have silverware to sell, please email valuer Victoria Sheppard: [email protected]
