An early to mid-20th Century platinum and diamond riviere necklace, comprising 57 graduated old-cut and transition-cut stones of approximately 42cts in total was the stand-out lot of the day. Five phone lines waded into the bidding battle that opened at £25,000 but eventually a room bidder secured the necklace at £74,000 – the highest price achieved for a single item of jewellery since the saleroom re-located to The Octagon Salerooms in East Reach, Taunton, in 2013.
A pair of early 20th century platinum and diamond cluster pendent earrings at £9000 and a Victorian diamond hexafoil pendant/brooch with a pear-shaped diamond drop (£6200) were also from the same stable.
The market for coloured stones in particular remains strong. Also pictured below is a late-19th century sapphire and diamond brooch, centred by a stone with an estimated weight of around 18cts.
Late-19th century sapphire and diamond brooch, centred by a stone with an estimated weight of around 18cts – £29,000 at Ewbank’s.
The auction house – Ewbank’s (28.8% buyer’s premium inc VAT) of Woking – had not sent the stone for certification and was unable to offer an opinion on its origin or treatment. However, it sold on June 19 for £29,000 (estimate £4000-6000).
