Focus on Five – Jewellery with Tracey Still
With Jewellery expert and Gemmologist, Tracey Still.
On a recent valuation day, an appointment was made by a Plymouth couple who had a collection of various jewellery to appraise. At the meeting, they produced a jewellery box containing twenty rather nice precious and semi-precious stone rings. I was delighted to appraise them and provide a general valuation. However, this was not the end of the items. From a huge bag came boxes and boxes of more jewellery and gem pieces. This collection was from the estate of a lady who had lived in Scotland, and the Plymouth family who had dealt with Plymouth Auction Rooms in the past decided to use our services again and brought it in for us to appraise.
The meeting continued for well over an hour and a half. I was excited to be able to handle this diverse range of diamond rings, necklaces and wonderful bracelets, which had been acquired over many years by this fashionable and stylish lady. Following instructions from the owners and closer inspection of the items as a whole, we made a decision at the saleroom to hold a single auction devoted to this entire collection. As a gemmologist and jewellery enthusiast, it has been an absolute pleasure for me to appraise and research some wonderful pieces of jewellery, with styles and values to suit all budgets and tastes. I am sure that this auction will appeal to everyone, perhaps someone looking for a nice gold bracelet at £100 to £200, or a pretty cluster ring, or even something slightly more off-beat like a stylish piece of 1970’s silver jewellery.
Hard as it has been, I have focused on five pieces within this auction that I consider to be slightly more scarce and universally appealing. This includes the very first lot, an 18ct yellow gold buckle design ring set with red enamel and 14 old round cut diamonds. It is a finger size L and is a real stylish item of jewellery which will catch anyone’s eye. I am confident that my valuation of £100 to £200 will prove attractive to bidders.
Moving onto Lot 52, which is a very nice 18ct white gold knot design bangle. It contains a mixture of baguette and round brilliant cut diamonds and is of good colour and clarity. The diamonds are lovely and bright, and with an estimate of £600 to £800, it should prove very popular.
Lot 60 would make a real statement on any finger. Being an 18ct yellow and white gold square cluster ring, with a 2.43-carat central square cut sapphire, surrounded by round brilliant bright diamonds. A beautiful ring which we have valued at £400 to £600. The very next lot also appeals to me, and will to those that have an interest in the Art Deco period. This brooch, set with square and emerald-cut rubies and weighing approximately 1.45 carats and further set with diamonds. Whilst this style of jewellery is limited in appeal, at £500 to £600 estimate it will provide an opportunity for someone to perhaps form an Art Deco collection.
Our final lot is Lot 68. An 18ct white gold choker style articulated necklace with a knot finish. The diamonds are set halfway up and weigh approximately 0.60 carats. I think this is a headline lot of the auction, and I expect bidding to open in the region of £1,000.
The auction will be held at our Salerooms in Plymouth on the 8th September.
The collection is on view by appointment, and the catalogue can be browsed online now.
I am looking forward to another exciting evening of sales at Plymouth Auction Rooms, and to seeing you all there bidding.