While this is nothing new, the dichotomy has arguably become exaggerated by the sensitive political and economic climate and the 299-lot sale only managed a 61 per cent take-up by lot. The small-stoned decorative entries fielded many of the casualties, while there was more interest for the entries with larger stones. The sale netted £562,500.
Although the sale did not have many five-figure gems, the highlight was a Belle Epoque single-stone diamond ring, c.1910. “The old stone had charm,” said Phillips’ specialist Keith Penton.
In addition to its “charm”, it had an accompanying laboratory report awarding it a desirably high D colour. This coupled with its period mount ensured the privately entered lot was contested to £24,000 by the trade.
Although tiaras have not been on buyers’ most wanted list in recent years, a Victorian diamond tiara, c.1880, convertible to a necklace, bucked the trend.
Consigned by relatives of the family who had purchased it in the late 19th century, it sold together with its original fitted case and additional fittings at £20,000.
The late 18th century was the high point for paste jewellery and a necklace and pair of earrings of this date – possibly Portuguese – produced one of the top lots. The necklace was composed of foliate and cluster links and had a suspended detachable openwork ribbon bow above a St Esprit drop. With its good condition and original fitted case, it fetched £8800.
No tantrums over this tiara
The market continued to favour top-quality fresh-to-the-market works at the expense of lower-end entries at Phillips (15/10% buyer’s premium) antique and modern jewellery sale on October 10.
