War and tough economic times dominate world news but a recent find reminded us that history repeats itself, bad times pass – and gold soars in value at times of instability.
We have uncovered a heavyweight ring which was designed to contain as much gold as possible to help a family trapped in war-torn Poland 78 years ago.
The striking piece of jewellery, which features a large turquoise gemstone amid rich gold decoration, was made during the Second World War. The seller’s grandfather was a goldsmith and he made it to a special brief. The intention was to pack as much wealth as possible into one easy-to-hide object in a bid to evade the eye of occupying forces.
It was hidden in a shoe when family members were held at gunpoint during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 – an effort to drive the invading German army out of the country during the Second World War. Following a German-Soviet non-aggression pact, Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939 and by the Soviet Union on September 17.
Despite everything that family faced, the ring survived the conflict, evaded being confiscated by the enemy and eventually came to England. Packed with wartime memories, it’s due to be sold in our spring sales with a guide price of £450. It should do well because gold prices are achieving record highs.
For example, Krugerrands, gold coins minted by the Republic of South Africa in 1967 to help promote South African gold, have risen from £800 to £1,300 while gold sovereigns have doubled in value from around £200 to £400.
Bearing in mind the cost-of-living crisis we’re currently facing, there’s never been a better time to turn any unwanted gold, jewellery, silver, coins or watches into some extra cash.
I will give you another example of the dominance of these items in the auction market. Gold, silver, jewellery and watches feature in day one of our monthly Antiques and Collectors sales. These four-day events encompass everything from paintings and furniture to metalware and ceramics. However, the top 10 lots are always filled with day one’s glittering lots.
To prove my point, top items in our March Antiques and Collectors Auction included lot 158, a 9ct rose gold charm bracelet awash with charms which included a George III Guinea, George V half sovereign and an Australian sovereign. It was contested to £2,600.
Silver excelled too. Lot 90, an early 20th Century Louis Quatorze three-piece tea service hallmarked by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd, London, 1929, made £1,100. Then there was lot 91, a George III Scottish silver three-piece tea service hallmarked by George McHattie, Edinburgh, 1818, £620.
But it doesn’t have to be antique silver to shine bright. Lot 92, a modern, three-piece silver tea and coffee set with ebonised handles and Art Deco fan-style finials, hallmarked by Cooper Brothers, Sheffield, 1959, reached £660. We often see silverware that’s been on display in cabinets for decades – wedding presents left for best and never used.
Other items to do well included in our March sales included lot 170, a 1950s diamond and turquoise-set gold bracelet which made £950 and lot 291, a set of three gold pocket watches, £750.
Clients often ask us to value items which have been languishing in drawers or jewellery boxes for years. Sometimes boxes of jumbled-up, inherited items are brought to our door filled with a mixture of both real and costume jewellery. It can be hard to tell the difference. It’s always a pleasure to tell someone something special lurks among the colourful beads and bangles.
Pluck out the gold, or gems, and the results can be impressive. Take lot 197, a random collection of jewellery including a damaged early 20th century 9ct gold bracelet, gold plated locket, two pairs of 9ct gold cufflinks, a 9ct gold tie pin and three rings. It sold for £820.
Similarly, lot 199, a collection of 9ct gold jewellery including chains and rings, made £750. It doesn’t matter if jewellery is broken, or an earring is missing, the demand for gold is so high it will sell – and sell well.
Perhaps Hansons can help lift your spirits with a helpful windfall in these difficult times. We certainly hope so.
Entries are invited for our April monthly Antiques and Collectors Auction and our regular Fine Art jewellery, silver and watches sales. To arrange a free jewellery/watch valuation, please email head of jewellery Helen Smith: [email protected]. To arrange a free silver valuation, email Victoria Sheppard: [email protected].
Plus, if you’re a fan of Bargain Hunt regular Kate Bliss, she will be offering free jewellery, silver and watch valuations at Etwall Auction Centre, near Derby, on April 27, 10am-4pm.
