Jewellery

A selection of eight upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and Ireland.

The owl had been a symbol of wealth and wisdom since the days of ancient Greece and inspired designers such as Lalique.

Although, thanks in part to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (first published in 1897), bats have acquired a reputation as ‘creatures of the night’ in many cultures they are viewed as symbols of luck or reincarnation.

Percy Thomas Tibbles, born in Hampstead, London, in 1881, was destined to become famous for cutting women in half.

He may have been considered ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ but items connected to Lord Byron (1788-1824) make for very welcome auction consignments.

An example of 19th century archaeological revivalist jewellery was one of the best-sellers in the July 8-10 auction at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries (20% buyer’s premium).

The artists’ enclave of Newlyn in Cornwall was not exclusively a colony of painters.

Topping the bill at Dore & Rees in Frome, Somerset on July 6 was this 2in (5cm) archaeological revival brooch by Castellani.

Platinum jubilee excitement combined with an emotive back story and a royal connection to create the perfect conditions to sell an Elizabeth II brooch

A Victorian sapphire, diamond and pearl brooch-pendant was one of two pieces with Indian roots offered for sale at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium).

Dreweatts offers a private collection of work by Gerald Benney, perhaps the key figure in the revival of British silversmithing in post-war Britain.

This Art Deco turquoise, rock crystal and black enamelled silver necklace carries the maker’s mark of the celebrated French atelier René Boivin.

The Summer Sale at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood in Exeter on July 13-15 includes this mid-Victorian colour change sapphire and rose-cut diamond pendant.

The jewellery team at Richard Winterton Auctioneers has expanded.

During renovations of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 1789, the tomb of the War of the Roses monarch Edward IV (1442-83) was rediscovered and his coffin accidentally opened while being moved.

Catherine Southon’s (24% buyer’s premium) 10th anniversary auction included a new house record of £47,000 for an early Victorian diamond rivière.

The Fine Jewellery auction at Fellows on August 4 includes a gold George III mourning ring.

Diamond tiaras continue to enjoy a steady revival in demand, particularly in states where a diamond fascinator is once again de rigueur at formal and informal high-society events.

Tennants’ Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver sale in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on July 16 numbers 120 lots.