Jewellery can be expensive but quite often we purchase these high end details on the idea that we are not only investing in quality pieces but that we are also investing in the future. That idea comes to fruition when we look at auctions and estate sales that feature high quality pieces of antique jewelry.
In late August of 2021, UK based auction house Cheffins promoted a sale of fine jewellery, silver and watches. The auction was conducted in their Cambridge office on a summer morning and saw several lots of distinctive quality and value.
Detachable Pair of Floral Spray Brooches
Dated as mid 20th century, this brooch is made of two detachable flowers, each with a central cluster of diamonds. The style, called a ‘duette brooch’ was created in 1927 by Cartier. It was designed to be worn together but with the ability to remain beautiful as stand alone pieces. It features round and baguette cut diamonds and has a full diamond weight of 14ct, making it a dazzling piece. Originally valued at between £6,000 - £8,000 it sold for £6,000.
White and Color Diamond Daisy Brooch
The brooch was not dated but looks similar to the one dated to the mid 20th century. This is also a Cartier piece and features two beautiful daisies, one with a central yellow diamond and the other a light blue. Each is surrounded by marquise cut diamond petals, baguette cut diamonds on the leaves and stems with grain set diamonds. The total diamond weight is 6.70ct and came complete with its original Cartier case. Originally valued between £3,000 - £5,000 it exceeded expectations and sold for £12,000.
Ruby, Diamond and White Sapphire Brooch
The beauty of the brooches in this collection are amazing and their popularity suggests brooches are making a comeback. This ruby, diamond, and white sapphire brooch has an ammonite inspired design and boasts 20 carats of rubies, 5 carats of diamonds and a row of dazzling white sapphires. Originally valued at £1,500 - £2,500, it sold for £2,600.
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ear Pendants
Art deco has come back into style and these pendants show off the style to perfection. A dazzling collection of sapphires and diamonds create a pear shaped droplet leading up to a brilliant center cut diamond surrounded by a border of calibré sapphires and diamonds. You might be wondering what makes this an ear pendant as opposed to earrings and it’s because the set has a clip fitting as opposed to pierced posts. Originally valued at £3,000 - £5,000 these pendants sold for £5,000 at auction.
The frequency with which antique jewelry is going to auction - and how quickly it is being bid on - proves two important things when it comes to building a jewelry collection. First, choosing wisely means you’ll have pieces that continue to be popular with new generations of collectors. Secondly, investing in quality is truly well worth the extra money. Pieces that are worth investing in truly cane become an investment if cared for properly.