New job is a shining success for former ballerina Samantha
A FORMER ballerina from Prestbury has joined an internationally renowned auction house.
Silver and jewellery specialist Samantha Knuckey, 40, now works for Bonhams, a fine arts and antiques auctioneer, in Chester.
A former dancer with the Northern Ballet Company, she gave up her stage career to follow a childhood passion for jewellery and now appraises high quality goods for sale in Bonhams’ London and international salerooms.
She said: “I was a magpie, always in my mother’s jewellery box. I enjoyed dancing but it was never going to be my first love.”
On her first day in the new job Samantha was delighted to tell a customer that the ring she had brought for valuation could be worth between £35,000 to £45,000 at auction.
It then went on to sell in London for £50,000.
Sam’s career began with Phillips Fine Art auctioneers in Winchester, after which she headed the antique jewellery Department at Picketts and Pursers in Petersfield, where she was mentored by John Faulder, a former manager of Garrad and Company, the Crown Jewellers.
She said: “John firmly believed the best way to display a fine piece was to wear it. He proved the point by asking me to wear a £150,000 Van Cleef and Arpells necklace and large diamond ring at a company reception. “Both sold.” Sam has a degree in Fine Art Valuation and is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.