REVIEW: JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & OBJECTS OF VERTU: 16 SEPTEMBER

Strong results in this auction included a number of lots that went beyond – and even well beyond – their guide prices. The range of high bids came across the board.

A highlight of the auction came in the form of a stylish 18ct gold woven evening clutch bag, with repeating chevron motif and ruby and diamond flowerhead clasp. Reputedly purchased by the vendor’s grandfather from Vacheron Constantin in the 1960s, this chic 17cm long evening bag went above its £8,000-12,000 estimate to sell for £15,000.

Diamonds performed well, with the top price achieved for a stunning heart-shaped 3.01 carat diamond set ring, with GIA certificate confirming D colour, and selling for top estimate of £16,000.
 
A stylish diamond single stone ring by Boodles sold significantly over estimate. The brilliant-cut diamond weighing 2.52 carats, of H colour and VS1 clarity, mounted in platinum, had hopes of £7,000-9,000, and ultimately sold for £13,000.

Mid-19th century serpent jewels are ever popular, and this sale included a stunning example – a serpent bracelet, presented in its original case, the articulated body unusually detailed throughout with blue enamel and with an opal, diamond, and ruby set head. The bracelet was formerly the property of Sir Charles James Napier (1782-1853), British general and Commander-in-Chief in India, famous for conquering the Sindh province of British India, (now in present-day Pakistan). It was estimated to fetch £3,000-5,000 but went well above finally selling for hammer price £14,000.

A fine selection of jewels from the 1960s and 1970s was led by an 18ct gold necklace by Alan Martin Gard, 1969, the large rectangular links with textured bark finish throughout, the necklace length 77cm, with maker’s mark ‘AMG’ and full London hallmark. After the recent death of this celebrated jeweller, the necklace was in strong demand. Estimated at £8,000-12,000, the lot sold for £14,000. 

The most eye-catching jewel of the sale, the catalogue cover lot, certainly caught the eye of multiple bidders. More than doubling its high estimate was a striking 19th century emerald and diamond pendant, set with vibrant well-matched Colombian emeralds, designed as a flowerhead and centred with a cluster of cushion-shaped and old brilliant-cut diamonds. Guided at £4,000-£6,000, the brooch far exceeded expectations, selling for £13,000.