24/11/2022
There was fierce competition for a striking Art Deco emerald and diamond line bracelet when it came under the hammer at Mallams’ 16 November Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale. Lot 194, set with a central octagonal step-cut emerald, further emeralds and old-cut diamonds running the length of the graduated and articulated bracelet, was estimated at £3000-£5000, but the hammer finally fell at £11,000 to a UK bidder.
Louise Dennis, Mallams’ jewellery and watches specialist said “Both the design of this bracelet and the choice of gemstones are typical of Art Deco jewels, exemplifying the clean, geometric forms and contrasting colours that were celebrated at that time. The inclusion of a gemmological laboratory report, stating that the principal emerald is Colombian, and original fitted case, were also instrumental in the high price achieved.”
Emeralds and diamonds proved popular throughout the sale, with a panel ring (lot 193) selling to a UK bidder for £4800, more than three times the top estimate.
Another panel ring, this time set with rubies and diamonds (lot 188), made £5000 against an estimate of £1500-£2000.
Lot 192, set with approximately 3 carats of old brilliant-cut diamonds, also piqued bidders’ interest, selling to a UK bidder for an above-estimate £6800.
In the watches section, lot 211, a Patek Philippe wristwatch with rectangular dial and fluted shoulders, dating from circa 1943, sold at £4,000.
Sales of silverware continue to be robust and this was evident when lot 418, a mid Victorian silver Cellini pattern ewer, sold for double top estimate, with a UK bidder securing the lot for £1600. Lot 485, a mid 19th century French silver-gilt and enamel chalice and cover, performed even more strongly, with a winning bid of £1900 against an estimate of £400-£600.
Overall, competition for lots was buoyant with a 94% sell rate and total sales of just under £276,000, 23% above the pre-sale top estimate.
Mallams is now accepting entries for its April 2023 Jewellery, Watches & Silver Sale. If you have any items of interest, please call 01865 241358 or email Mallams' jewellery and watches specialist, Louise Dennis at louise.dennis@mallams.co.uk or Alicia Rogers, silver specialist at alicia.rogers@mallams.co.uk
All prices are subject to a 30% buyers' premium (VAT inclusive).
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