Preview: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver Sale 12th July

A highly sought-after piece in the world of vintage luxury watches – the 1996 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16520/16500 – is one of the many highlights of the Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 12^th July. The watch, which is offered with an estimate of £25,000-30,000 (all figures exclude buyer’s premium), is known to collectors as the ‘Patrizzi’ Rolex, after the specialist watch auctioneer Osvaldo Patrizzi, who researched the material used on the sub-dial chapter that fades to the distinctive toffee colour in this model, which is so highly desirable to collectors. The model also has a fine quality Zenith el Primero automatic movement.

Representing another maker synonymous with excellence in watchmaking is a fine and rare Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Watch in 18 carat rose gold (reference 5059R). Patek Philippe launched this reference in 1998, and it was produced for only a few short years being discontinued in 2006; this particular watch was made in 2000 and is sold with an estimate of £20,000-25,000. Further highlights of the watches in the sale include a Breguet Lady’s 18 Carat White Gold and Diamond Set Horloger De La Marine (reference 8401BB/52/B41), sold with an estimate of £5,000-7,000, and a circa 1975 Omega Seamaster 600 PloProf (reference 166.077), which was designed in collaboration with legendary diver Jacques Cousteau and sold with an estimate of £3,000-5,000.

Continuing the theme of leading makers, the Jewellery section of the sale offers pieces by Garrard, Tiffany & Co., and two stunning brooches by Cartier, both consigned from good private collections. The Star Sapphire, Amethyst and Diamond Brooch uses grey-toned star sapphires contrasted with the purple amethysts to create a floral motif (estimate: £2,000-3,000), and an Amethyst and Diamond Brooch which demonstrates the fine attention to detail synonymous with the master jeweller (estimate: £2,000-3,000). Brooch are seeing a resurgence of interest, and two further interesting lots include a finely made Sapphire and Diamond Brooch with superbly matched stones (estimate: £2,500-3,000), and an unusual and striking Ruby and Diamond Cluster Brooch designed as a stylised flower with a central rose-cut diamond believed to weigh between two and three carats (estimate: £2,000-3,000).

An interesting selection of Art Deco jewellery in the sale includes an Art Deco Diamond Ring with an approximately 3 carat central stone, exemplifying the simple lines and monochrome styling of the era (estimate: £8,000-10,000). In contrast, an Art Deco Platinum Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Ring uses colour with Art Deco lines to great effect (estimate: £1,000-1,500). Two period brooches comprise an Art Deco Diamond Brooch (estimate: £500-700), and a versatile Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Double Clip Brooch that can be worn in a multitude of ways (estimate: £1,200-1,800). Finally, a stylish Art Deco Diamond Bracelet of a strap design is offered with an estimate of £1,500-2,000.

A small collection of silver and objects of vertu in the sale are sold with provenance from legendary racing trainer John Scott (1794-1871), who was based at the Whitewall Stables in Malton. Known as the ‘Wizard of the North’, he was responsible for wins in 40 British Classic races, a record which stood until 2021. Notable amongst the lots are a George III Silver-Gilt Cup and Cover made in London in 1767 and with a maker’s mark; it was presented to Scott by William, 4^th Earl Annesley who was the owner of Sweetsauce, the winner of the Goodwood Cup in 1860 (estimate: £3,000-5,000). Further lots from the collection include a Victorian Silver Snuff-Box by William Summers (estimate: £100-150), Two Victorian Gold-Mounted Hardstone Fob-Seals (estimate: £100-150), a Victorian Silver-Gilt and Coral-Mounted Whip (estimate: £70-100), and Three George IV Silver-Mounted Cow-Horn Beakers (estimate: £100-150).

From other vendors in the sale are a Louis XV Gold-Mounted Lacquered and Tortoiseshell Bonbonnière, made in Paris circa 1761 decorated with vines and grapes (estimate: £5,000-8,000), a Pair of Victorian Silver Figural Salt-Cellars by Alfred Benson and Hugh Webb (estimate: £1,00-1,500), and a Diamond-Set Gold and Enamel Minaudiere by Cartier, made in the early 20^th century (estimate: £4,000-6,000). Fine pieces dating from the second half of the 20^th century include an Elizabeth II Diamond-set Gold, Silver and Mineral Specimen ‘Fairy Tale’ Castle by William Tolliday (estimate: £4,000-6,000), and an Elizabeth II Diamond and Enamel-Set Limited Edition Silver-Gilt Casket by Richard Jarvis and Ian Calvert made to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth (estimate: £3,000-5,000).

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