The Cotswold Auction Company’s Christmas sale on 22nd December at the Cheltenham saleroom saw some festive prices on the various items of diamond and other jewellery on offer! However prior to the sale a Private View was held the evening before with guests enjoying viewing of the sale, accompanied by wine and canapés. Adding to the enjoyment of the evening was a guest speaker – this year it was Nicholas Kneale, founder of Fired Earth , the well known tile and rug company. He regaled the guests with some entertaining stories of his own sorties into the auction world and then how he came about turning Fired Earth into a global phenomenon.
Diamond, Ruby and Emerald brooch, sold for £5,600
Prices were strong on the day of the sale with the telephones and internet buyers driving the prices in the room. The ‘star’ lot was indeed a star. A superb diamond, ruby, emerald and enamel rosette brooch of 8-point star pattern, 9 cms in diameter, in original Garrard box, selling for a galactic £5,600.
An 18ct gold solitaire diamond ring, 2.1 ct approx, was to be found under the Christmas tree for one lucky lady at a price of £2,900. A superb diamond ribbon pattern brooch set with numerous baguette cut and other diamonds realised £2,900 and another gorgeous diamond and pearl brooch in the shape of a tied bow sold for £700.
Pearl and Diamond Brooch, sold £700
Gold is a most marketable commodity in these present times and certainly commanded interest and good prices on 22nd December. A Tiffany 18ct gold bangle made £1,150, a sovereign bracelet comprising seven gold sovereigns realised £950, while a 1974 Krugerrand and a Royal Mint £5 gold proof coin both reached £580.
Oriental items are much in demand these days and and 19th century carved ivory figure of a Japanese gentleman had a hammer price of £700 and a Chinese carved ivory figure of an aged fisherman sold for £650. A pair of silk oriental rugs surpassed the original estimate selling for £1200.
Pair of silk oriental rugs, sold £1,200
Antique furniture also featured strongly in this rather glamorous sale with a pair of Regency rosewood marble-top open bookcases, supported by ormolu columns on paw feet, creating a huge amount of interest finally selling for £3,300 after fierce competition on the phones and in the room. Davenports are not the most fashionable pieces of furniture these days but two delightful examples proved that some styles will always be enduring! A Victorian burr walnut davenport realised £850, while another inlaid and of figured walnut sold for £580. A wonderful example of boulle work in the shape of a 19th century ebonised wood, ormolu and boulle work side cabinet, with a marble top sold well at £650. A pair of Victorian pale green opaque glass lustres became the object of a telephone bidding war with the successful buyer paying £850.
The sale was a successful end to the year with The Cotswold Auction Company seeing prices remain strong for quality items.
All future sale dates can be found on the website or please contact us on 01242 256363, or email info@cotswoldauction.co.uk for a hard copy calendar.
Please contact the auctioneers for all sales, insurance or probate valuations on 01242 256363 or 01285 642420