Cheffins will host the region’s first specialist Jewellery, Silver and Watches Sale of 2019 on the 11th April. Featuring over 450 lots in total, the triannual sale includes a number of historic and rare items which are set to kickstart the market amongst both private and trade buyers.
The highest value lot on offer is a magnificent Art Deco diamond plaque bracelet (pictured); it has a total estimated diamond weight in excess of 32ct and a guide price of £25,000 - £30,000. It was consigned from a private client and is thought to date back to the 1920s. Other key lots in the jewellery section include a Belle Epoque diamond and aquamarine pendant necklace, with the aquamarine estimated to weigh in excess of 40ct. It has an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000. There is also a French Art Deco diamond and platinum bar brooch which is in its original case and is expected to make between £4,000 and £6,000. For rings, there is an important sapphire and diamond cluster ring featuring an unheated and certificated Sri Lankan sapphire which weighs in at 7.16ct, and is expected to make between £12,000 and £15,000; similarly, an impressive emerald and diamond ring which has an estimate of £5,000 - £7,000; there is also an exquisite diamond and enamel Kundan-Meena ring, which has an estimate of £9,000 - £12,000.
The watches include both antique and more modern examples. The most historic is an Omega Air Ministry gentleman’s watch from circa 1940 which was the property of late acting Squadron Leader V.C. Royals who served in Egypt, Malta, the Middle East, North Africa and Sicily. The watch is one of the few remaining which were issued by the Air Ministry during WWII from Omega for pilots and navigators in the RAF. It comes with a letter written by the late owner to his mother, dated 1943, during his time at Hal-Far, Malta as a pilot officer, in which he mentions ‘I have now flown a new type of aircraft – a Hurricane. I like them very much indeed and I like my job here very much……’ The watch has an estimate of £500 - £700. Also within the sale are a series of vintage Rolexes, dating from as early as 1916 through to the 1950s as well as examples from Tag Heuer, Ebel and Omega. There are also a number of pocket watches available and a series of lady’s wristwatches from Omega, Longines and Rolex amongst others.
Included in the sale is an elegant set of twelve 18ct gold 20th century teaspoons by Tiffany & Co, thought to make between £3,000 and £5,000. Other strong entries include a late 19th century singing bird box automation which is thought to be from circa 1890, a Bontems model and French in manufacture which has an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000; whilst in the silver section a Victorian silver six-piece tea and coffee set by James Dixon and Sons of Sheffield has an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500. Other items available which are likely to be of interest for buyers are a George V silver two-piece chocolatière set, a George II silver porringer, a range of Scottish and Irish silver and other silver items which sit alongside candlesticks, cutlery sets, cow creamers and various historic items including a 17th century Dutch silver brandy bowl.
Steven Collins, Head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches says: “Following the highly-successful sale in October 2018, there is a significant uplift in the value and quality of the lots available at this next sale. The Art Deco examples from the jewellery section are sure to make high prices as these remain the go-to investment for not only trade buyers but also private collectors, similarly, the vintage watches ought to sell well as the market for these remains buoyant throughout a range of periods. These sales are the only dedicated jewellery, silver and watches auctions in the region and they have had a tangible impact on the market, ensuring Cheffins is now a go-to auction house for fine jewellery and high value silver and watches.”
The Auction takes place on Thursday 11th April at 11am at Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7EA. Viewing times are Monday 8th April 10an - 5pm; Tuesday 9th April 10am - 6pm; Wednesday 10th April 10am - 5pm.