Western Morning News (Saturday)
Stylish collection of jewellery
Tracey Still, gemmologist and jewellery valuer at Plymouth Auction Rooms offers an insight into five lots
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 20 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 fashionable 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.
Following instructions from the owners we made a decision at the saleroom to hold a single auction devoted to this entire collection.
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. 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. 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 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. 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. Bidding is expected to open in the region of £1,000.
The auction will be held at the salerooms in Plymouth on September 8. The collection is on view by appointment, and the catalogue can be browsed online now.
For more information visit plymouthauctions.co.uk.