Christmas Crackers

Bidders had Christmas on their minds in our Jewellery, Watches & Silver Sale on 1^st December, with gift-worthy animal jewellery, Stuart Devlin Christmas Baubles and vintage watches coming under the hammer.

The sale kicked off with the jewellery section, and good period pieces and ‘novelty’ pieces sold strongly. Animal jewellery is always a favourite in the saleroom, and the examples in this sale were no exception; a charming diamond Dachshund brooch sold for £1,200 against an estimate of £300-500, a Boxer dog brooch sold for £600, and an early 20^th century emerald and diamond snake bracelet sold for £1,100 against an estimate of £500-800.

Other notable lots included an Art Deco sapphire and diamond bow brooch, which sold for £1,000, and an Arts and Crafts moonstone necklace, which sold for £1,300. The necklace was designed by Jessie Marion King, a Scottish illustrator and designer of jewellery, fabrics and ceramics. Part of a private collection of jade jewellery was also entered into the sale, with pieces including the desirable ‘apple’ green shade of jade selling well above estimate. A jade and diamond pendant sold for £1,600 against an estimate of £300-500 and a pair of jade and diamond cluster ear clips sold for £900.

Vintage watches continue to appeal, and top lots included a Seiko Diver’s Wristwatch from c.1965, which was the first by the company to be depth rated to 150m (Sold for £1,700). A classic 1950s wristwatch made by Movado, which featured an unusual triple calendar dial appealed to collectors and sold for £750. Luxury modern watches included a Steel and gold Rolex Datejust, with diamond set hour markers that sold for £2,800, and a 1929 silver open faced Karrusel keyless pocket watch sold for £1,500.

Bids came thick and fast for a selection of Stuart Devlin Christmas Baubles, with the likes of a 1982 Stuart Devlin Parcel Gilt Silver Surprise Christmas Bauble featuring two children with their stockings selling for £750 against an estimate of £150-250. Also of note in the silver section was A Chinese Export Silver Kettle on Stand, Luen Wo, Shanghai, circa 1900, the associated spirit burner stand mark of Tuck Chang, Shanghai, which sold for £1,500, an Elizabeth I Silver Seal Top Spoon, maker's mark IF, possibly for Jasper Fysher, London 1568, which sold for £2,200, and an Oversized German Silver Cow Creamer made circa 1900, which sold for £1,500.

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All prices quoted are Hammer Prices excluding Buyer’s Premium and VAT