The Under the Hammer column with Tennants Auctioneers: Strong prices as global bidders join virtual Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale

Despite the altered circumstances, bidders from around the world joined in the sale online and over the telephone.

Strong prices were seen throughout the Jewellery section, with a clear demand for period jewels and unusual pieces.

Emeralds were particularly sought after with a rare Georgian Emerald and Diamond Ring selling for £12,000 (all figures plus buyer’s premium) against an estimate of £3,000-5,000, and an Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Brooch selling for £11,500, again against an estimate of £3,000-5,000.

Art Deco pieces continue to generate high levels of interest, and amongst a good selection of such pieces in the sale were an unusual Art Deco Jade, Diamond, Ruby and Onyx Pendant of giardinetto design by Lang, Paris circa 1925, which sold for £6,800, and a Diamond Bow Brooch by LaCloche Freres of the same date, which sold for £2,200.

Also of note was an Archaeological Revival Bracelet by Castellani, circa 1860, which sold for £20,000.

Further lots of note in the sale included a Diamond Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Suite by Tiffany and Co which sold for £13,500, a Diamond Cluster Ring with fancy light brownish-pink emerald cut diamond, which sold for £11,000, and an Arts and Crafts Style Silver Gem Set Necklace and Earring Suite in the manner of Sibyl Dunlop dated 1964, which sold for £4,000.

Good, solid results were seen across the Watch section of the sale with top names such as Rolex seeing a continuing demand.

Top lots in the sale included rare 1981 Rolex GMT-Master ref: 16758 18 Carat Gold ‘Rootbeer Nipple Dial’ Watch, which sold for £18,000.

Watches in good, clean order and with original box and paperwork sold strongly, including a 1986 Rolex Day/Date ref: 18038/18000 that sold for £10,000 and a 1995 Lady’s Rolex Pearlmaster Datejust ref: 80318 that sold for £8,000.

A rare Henry VII Parcel-Gilt Silver Apostle-Spoon made in London in 1508 was the top lot of the silver section, selling for £10,000.

The tear-drop shaped bowl and facetted stem was topped with a cast figure of St John holding the Cup of Sorrow.

A Charles II Silver Tumbler-Cup made in York in 1673 and attributed to Thomas Mangy sold for £2,500.

A George III Gold and Enamel Scent-Bottle of small proportions sold well, too, at £1,250; it was made in London circa 1770 and housed in a fitted shagreen case.

Tennants are currently accepting lots for the next Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on March 20, 2021, please contact them on 01969 623780 or [email protected] for details.