REVIEW: JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & OBJECTS OF VERTU: 11 JUNE

The allure of Bulgari proved triumphant once more as a stunning sapphire and diamond ‘Doppio Cuore’ suite comprising necklace, ring and ear clips sold for the top-estimate of £30,000 to lead the results for this auction.

A fine two-row natural pearl necklace, with pearls ranging in size from 4.5 to 7.2mm, with a 19th century pearl and diamond cluster clasp, illustrated the current strong market for natural pearls, when it doubled its pre-sale estimate to achieve a hammer price of £20,000.

 

A rare 18th century gold seal ring, thought to have belonged to British Prime Minister George Grenville (1712-70) and discovered by a metal detectorist just a year ago, exceeded the top estimate to sell for £9,500. An historic piece found in May 2023 near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire by metal detectorist Tom Clark, and deemed not to be treasure as it is less than 300 years old, it had survived in excellent condition.

Grenville served as Prime Minister from 16 April 1763 to 10 July 1765 and was notable for provoking unrest among the American colonies that soon led to the American War of Independence.

An 18 carat gold and diamond ring by Cartier, the principle brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.54 carats, sold over top estimate to achieve a hammer price of £9,000.

Among the objects of vertu, a Russian gold cigarette case, with flared and diagonal ribbed decoration throughout and a ruby cabochon thumbpiece also did well, taking £5,500 against hopes of £3,000-4,000. It was marked inside to the cover and base with ‘AH’, possibly for Fabergé workmaster August Holmström, St Petersburg, 1891.