Silver Sale

A hush fell amongst the bidders at The Cotswold Auction Company’s last specialist jewelleryand silver sale held at the Bingham Hall in Cirencester, as the bidding mounted on a stunning antique emerald and diamond ring. The ring was set with a large oval emerald of a particularly brilliant, striking hue ( measuring 4.7ct) and was flanked by a pair of diamonds. Although there were several other emeralds in this well-represented jewellery section, this particular one had set hearts racing already and its pre-auction estimate had been revised upwards while cataloguing at £2000 to £3000. A private buyer was thrilled with her purchase when the hammer finally came down at £2,500.

A more modern piece set with diamonds actually took top honours at this sale. This was a handsome diamond necklace set with numerous baguette cut stones and again it was a private buyer who had travelled from the other side of the country who walked home the proud new owner, having bid £3,000 for the privilege. In this case a visit to the beautiful market town of Cirencester together with an overnight stay had proved rewarding for these keen auction buyers.

Diamonds were again strongly contested when a substantial five-stone diamond ring raced past its estimate to sell for £1,850, while a platinum and three-stone diamond ring brought a healthy £1,050.

Stylish brooch from the Roaring Twenties:The clean lines of a stunning Art Deco platinum and diamond brooch caught  bidders’ imaginations,estimated at £800-£1200 it created a great deal of interest. Still in its original Gieves box the brooch was subject to strong bidding and sold above estimate at £1,450. Other diamonds on offer included a pair of diamond solitaire earrings, approx 0.4ct, which brought £650. A five-stone diamond ring sold for £600, a diamond bar brooch made £500 and a three-stone diamond ring brought £580.

New Investments Market?:It has been said that when the economy struggles investors turn to traditional investments such as precious stones, particularly diamonds. The above results certainly bear this out and in the same way the gold market is particularly strong at the moment. The Cotswold Auction Company is regularly asked to sell Krugerrands, sovereigns, guineas and other gold coins and this sale was no exception. A gold Krugerrand brought £600, while a 14K gold charm bracelet with numerous gold and hardstone charms sold for £950 and a 9ct gold albert with bracelet came under the hammer at £660. Sovereigns were regularly making £120-£150 – as opposed to the £60 they would have made two years ago!

The silver section was topped by good-looking Edwardian two-handled silver tray – rather massive,weighing 158oz. The butler who originally carried it needed some muscle power when it was fully laden! Despite the need for some repolishing it nearly doubled its lower estimate selling at £1,400.

Top price amongst the watches was paid for an 18ct gold hunter pocket watch with white enamel dial by Camerer Russ and Co. London. This famous maker no doubt helped along the final hammerprice of £590.

Napoleon claims the victory !:This annual specialist sale of jewelley, silver, ceramics and glass always looks a riot of colour and this one was true to form. Taking pride of place was an antique Sevres porcelain dessert service, transfer-printed with Napoleonic scenes and battles. There was much speculation as to the likely selling price of this lot, which finally came under the hammer at £640, while its companion coffee service realised £560.

The auctioneers were pleased with ceramics prices in general and in particular with the sale prices of some of the twentieth century lots such as a Clarice Cliff ‘Delicia’ coffee service which realised £420   and a delightful Shelley tea service boasting its original teapot with matching stand which came under the hammer at £360.

The oriental section boasted ceramics, jade, carved hardstone, cloisonné enamel and particular interest was shown in some period Japanese carved ivories. One figure showing a grape seller sold well above estimate for £280 while a netsuke of three figures around a sack reached a hammerprice of £200.