Wednesday the 21st of June saw exceptional results for American jewellery, cufflinks presented from the collection of the late Barry Lock, and precious stones as part of Roseberys’ Jewellery & Watches auction. The sale - which was large and varied - sold very well overall, with over 80% sold by lot.

 

 

Lot 121: Tiffany & Co. A pair of American early 20th century garnet cufflinks

 

Particularly strong results were achieved for late-19th and early-20th century American jewellery, whose presence in the sale was subtle but mighty and each lot achieved their top estimate or higher. Featured lots included Tiffany flowerhead brooches (lots 2 & 3) and Tiffany cufflinks (lot 121); a sapphire dress set by Shreeve Crump & Low (lot 119); a Marcus & co. diamond fob watch in excellent condition (lot 290, which realised more than three-times its high estimate); and lot 301, a Belle Époque locket by Whiteside and Blank.

 

Lot 15: A rare Australian silver gilt enamelled waratah flower suite, retailed by Flavelle Bros Ltd

 

The department was particularly proud that several buyers in Australia keenly pursued lot 15 - an Australian silver gilt and enamel Waratah flower suite, the likes of which rarely appear on the open market - which will now be returning to its country of origin.

 

Lot 165: August Frederik Hollming for Fabergé (1854-1915)

 

The stand-out highlight from June’s sale was lot 165, a pair of imperial Russian cufflinks designed by August Frederik Hollming for Fabergé. The unusual black mother-of-pearl cufflinks were in remarkable condition, which drove its price high (realising £11,700 including fees against its £3,000 high estimate) as Fabergé items in good condition have become increasingly scarce.

 

Lot 185: Cartier. A platinum,  sapphire and diamond set stickpin

 

The success of two other lots also illustrated the lasting appeal of quality clothing accessories. Lot 185, a 1915 Cartier platinum stick pin, featuring calibré-cut sapphires and old brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds, was signed by Cartier and flew to £5,460 including fees - almost twenty-times its high estimate of £300. Lot 396, a rare spinel set button, realised almost fifteen-times its high estimate and reached £22,100 including fees. The untreated bright stones - often nicknamed ‘Jedi’ in the trade - in their original Burmese setting generated a great deal of international interest.

Perhaps the most endearing lot of the sale was lot 390, a patch box pendant in the form of a lady’s head wearing a masquerade mask. The small pendant brought the charm of masquerade to the floor and was a lovely piece of Georgian history. The appeal of this anonymous party-goer saw lot 390 soar past its high estimate and realise £7,150 including fees.

Another highlight was lot 288, a rare and unusual pendant watch by LeCoultre in the form of an urn with cockerel detail. The luxury 1910 watch was bedazzled with diamonds and signed by LeCoultre. This fine example of French goldsmithing realised more than double its high estimate, achieving £10,400 including fees.

 

Lot 440: A sapphire and diamond pendant, claw set with an oval mixed-cut sapphire

 

Lot 443: A diamond single stone ring, the brilliant-cut diamond weighing 6.09 carats

 

High-quality and rare stones are consistently popular at sale, and three in particular did exceptionally well at Roseberys’ June sale. Lot 440 - a sapphire and diamond pendant (the sapphire weighing over 24 carats) captured bidders with its impressive carat weight and arresting deep blue colour. Another bright and well-saturated stone was lot 437, a Columbian emerald (11.8 carats) pendant framed with brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds which appealed to both the European and international market and achieved £21,450 including fees. Colour and clarity were also appealing features of lot 443 - a single stone diamond ring (6.09 carats and VVS2 clarity) which was the top selling lot of the day, realising £80,015 including fees.