Both the long awaited sunshine and a room full of socially distanced bidders were present and correct for our June 16th summer auction. Some brilliant results were achieved across the board but it was undoubtedly the spectacular jewellery section that stole the show.
25/06/2021
We kicked off the jewellery category with an exquisite private collection of pieces made by the famous jewellery and fashion house Boucheron. Founded in Paris in 1858 by Frederick Boucheron this luxury brand, known for their bold and innovative designs, has constantly evolved throughout the years to stay at the forefront of this high end market. All of the pieces offered dated from the 1950’s-1970’s and each exhibited Boucherons characteristic styles and forms. A diamond set ‘ribbon’ necklace proved the most popular, finishing at £15,000 + bp against a pre-sale estimate of £7000-9000 closely followed by an impressive diamond cluster ring and a beautiful blue enamel and diamond flower brooch that realised £12,000 and £6,500 +bp respectively. The collection totalled over £49,000 (inclusive of premium) and evidently appealed to the international market with two of the successful buyers residing in China.
Another household name in the world of jewellery, Georg Jensen, also featured prominently in the auction. Six pieces, consigned by two vendors, comprised of two unusual 18ct yellow gold ‘Splash’ brooches, two polished quartz collarettes, a pair of 18ct gold cufflinks and a nephrite and silver pendant. Jensen pieces are always hotly contested and the collection realised over £7000 (inclusive of premium).
Included in the jewellery section, we were also privileged to offer a substantial single owner collection of over 70 pieces dating from the 18th century to the present day. The top selling lot in this group was a spectacular single stone diamond ring weighing over 4cts that realised a hammer price of £16,000 +bp and the collection as a whole enjoyed some fantastic results. Going through the decades, pieces dating from the mid-1800’s to the end of the century proved that period jewellery is only growing in popularity. A diamond set star burst brooch/pendant and a diamond and pearl fringe necklace finished up at £5200 and £5000 +bp respectively. Large gold stone set brooches, once deemed old fashioned, were back in vogue and selling competitively with two garnet set examples making a combined total of £2500 +bp.
Moving into the 20th century, a passion for pendants was clear with two stunning Belle Epoque examples going to new homes for £5500 and £3800 +bp. The first, designed as a central pear cut diamond weighing approx. 3.00cts set within a diamond border with bow mount, epitomised this ‘beautiful era’. The second, formed as a large central aquamarine above a diamond set garland, encompassed a brooch reverse typical of the multi-functional jewellery popular during this period.
Art Deco period and inspired pieces were as admired as ever, with brooches, bracelets, rings and earrings all yielding excellent results. A statement sapphire and diamond cocktail ring realised £6600 +bp and a striking sapphire and diamond bracelet reached £4000 +bp.
It was not just period pieces however that impressed the buyers. A modern yellow and white diamond floral cluster ring sored past its upper estimate of £900 to reach £2100 following a bidding battle between a phoneline and the internet and a collection of decorative gold chains made over £7000 (inclusive of premium)
Adding a little amusement to the jewellery section we also offered four charming novelty brooches in the form of animals. A nibbling squirrel, an inquisitive fox, an obedient dog and a waddling duck all enchanted buyers selling for over £7000 in total (inclusive of premium).
From over 120 lots of jewellery, only 4 were left unsold, demonstrating the huge demand for this market. So whether you are interested in selling your own collection or are interested in purchasing jewellery from one of our auctions please contact us for further information.
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