Posted on: 28 March 2023
A Sparkling Success: March 2023
A spectacular early 20th century diamond drop pendant brooch was the perfect introduction piece for our new jewellery and silver valuer Amelia Tomkinson this week. The piece was the star of our March Fine Art & Antique Auction, selling for £8000 plus buyer’s premium. “This enchanting brooch featured a central impressive pear cut diamond which was estimated at 2.25 carats” said Amelia following the successful sale, “The pear cut dates to the mid 15th century, and was created by Lodewyk Van Bercken, inventor of the scaif diamond polishing wheel. It’s an unusual and much sought after cut which requires a large diamond, and produces beautiful reflections of light”.
Amelia, a Cheshire native and former Old Moretonian, joined us in February and brings with her a wealth of experience following her work in the jewellery industry and the the successful completion of her Fellowship of the Gemmological Association “We are delighted to welcome Amelia to the team, and it’s fantastic to see the success of the jewellery and silver in her first sale” said Christina Trevanion.
Other standout pieces in the auction included a small Chinese silver and enamel box, which sold for £5000 plus buyer’s premium. “This was a charming piece dating from the 19th century, beautifully decorated with enamelled scenes of court figures – unsurprisingly it attracted interest from buyers around the world” said Asian specialist Ashley Jones. After a fierce bidding battle between online and telephone bidders, the box was secured by a Beijing based bidder.
Furniture also proved popular, with a George III oak dresser base selling for £2600 plus buyer’s premium. “Good Georgian pieces in original condition are always sought after, and this piece was beautifully detailed, with chevron stringing and ‘V’ moulded cabriole legs” said furniture specialist Ian Woodward. “We’ve also seen a resurgence in demand for pine furniture” continued Ian, “A Victorian scumbled linen press and a Scandinavian painted kitchen cupboard were among several pine pieces which sold above their estimates”.
A Dutch street scene attributed to William Koekkoek (1839-1895), had art buyers buzzing, selling for £1800 plus buyer’s premium. “The new Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has prompted a lot of interest in Dutch works, this was a beautifully realised street scene with a real sense of place” notes art valuer Simon Grover. After an extending bidding battle, the picture will be making its way to a new home in the Netherlands.
If you have pieces you are looking at selling or are curious to find out what your items could be worth, you can book a free no obligation auction valuation appointment on 01948 800 202 or info@trevanion.com.
