IN THE SALEROOMS
O’REILLYS
Brooches are back on the catwalk and rapidly filtering down to the high street, although more likely to be worn on a collar or cuff, or even in pairs, than on the traditional lapel.
Nobody did brooches better than the Victorians and there’s still great value to be had in the auction rooms. O’Reilly’s next auction of Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver includes an antique Victorian ruby, sapphire and diamond brooch in the shape of a butterfly (est €500 to €600) and a floral antique brooch with old cut diamonds centred on an emerald (est €1,800 to €2,200).
There are also several attractive brooches with low estimates: a simple peridot and seed pearl brooch (est €80 to €100); an antique gold, sapphire and seed pearl bar brooch (est €80 to €120); and a large cameo brooch of a stately lady (est €100 to €150). The auction takes place on Wednesday at 1pm with full details on oreillysfineart.com.
ADAM’S
The Georgians were better at design than sanitation and bad smells were an inescapable feature of city life. The poor simply endured it, the rich carried a vinaigrette to mask the smell.
These small decorative containers had hinged lids that opened to reveal a pierced grid, also hinged. Under the grid was a small sponge, soaked in aromatic substances dissolved in vinegar (hence the name vinaigrette).
A George IV citrine and turquoise vinaigrette (c. 1825-35) (est €800 to €1,000) is up for sale at Adam’s forthcoming auction of Fine Jewellery & Watches. The lid is a faceted citrine and the thumbpiece is set with three oval cabochon-cut turquoises.
Other interesting historical pieces in the sale include a 19th century pendant/locket (est €1,500 to €2,500) with a miniature portrait of a lady (below) within a surround of turquoise cabochons.
A glazed locket compartment on the reverse contains braided hairwork and, instead of a chain, the piece hangs from a double braid of hair interspersed with gold links. It’s testimony to the Victorian belief that an element of the spirit remained in human hair. The auction takes place on Tuesday at 6pm with full details on adams.ie.
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTOR’S FAIRS
The first Dublin National Antiques, Art & Vintage Fair takes place tomorrow and Sunday at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. This is Hibernian Antique Fairs’ largest Dublin venture yet and promises 70 antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers.
The fair runs from 11am to 6pm on both days and admission is €5. For further details, email robinodonnell@gmail.com.
Enthusiasts will also be able to take in the Antiques and Vintage Fair that runs at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, on Sunday from 11am to 6pm. More than 40 traders from Ireland and the UK will be taking part in the fair, which will include a collection of 20th century designer costume jewellery. For more information, call 087 2670607.