Ledbury Focus November 2019 Ledbury Focus November 2019 v3 | Page 18

Diamonds are forever . . . I ’m afraid I am going to have to mention the dreaded ‘Christmas’ word as auction rooms can be a fantastic place to purchase ‘something special for someone special’. This is of course particularly true of jewellery which can be bought at a fraction of the price found in the shops, enabling you to easily purchase something of amazing quality, and of course totally unique. Although one can buy all types of jewellery at auction there is a very strong demand from the trade for antique jewellery fresh onto the market. So imagine my pleasure when I recently went on a house call to find a large collection of Victorian and Edwardian jewellery including a surprising number of pearl set star brooches of exceptional quality and in beautiful condition. The vendor went on to explain that she had a photograph of five great aunts, each wearing a severe expression and a black high necked dress adorned by the brooches now in her possession. There was definitely a flurry of interest in the collection and although a beautiful modern diamond solitaire ring made £1500 I gained more pleasure from selling all the pretty antique pieces – often for more than double their pre-sale estimates. Interest came mainly from a few jewellery buyers in the room, a specialist in antique jewellery from London and an unknown buyer in Ireland who was bidding online. Smiths forthcoming sales are on the 8th November and 6th December and both sales should provide a fantastic opportunity to both buy and sell all types of jewellery at this busy time of year. Entries for the December sale are invited on the 12th, 14th, 19th or 21st November 10am to 3pm or by appointment. For further details please visit www.smithsnewent auction.co.uk or telephone [phone]. article by Rita Kearsey 18 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]