The sales, which effectively replace the smaller jewellery sections that formed part of Homes & Interiors sale, will be held as ‘live online’ events with an auctioneer in the saleroom but all bids placed remotely.
The firm says it is holding more jewellery sales to reflect a demand from clients for a quicker turnaround (Sworders’ designated ‘fine’ jewellery sales were previously held just twice a year) and two recent arrivals that mean the auction house has three qualified jewellery specialists.
Experienced valuer Stephen Giles now heads up Sworders’ London office, working alongside two specialists based in Stansted Mountfitchet: department head Catriona Smith and Catrin Jones, who will oversee the new events.
“We are delighted to announce a greatly enhanced calendar of jewellery and watch sales,” says chairman Guy Schooling. “We will now conduct monthly live online auctions of between 300-400 lots of jewellery and watches in addition to our two prestigious annual sales.
“Our jewellery department and their sales have expanded and matured considerably during recent years.
We aim to be among the market leaders in this buoyant but demanding field.”
The extra sales, that will sit alongside the ‘fine’ auctions, will typically focus on affordable pieces with an average lot value of around £200-400.
The first new-format auction, on May 19, includes pleasing antique pieces such as a Georgian gold, garnet and split pearl locket, c.1790 (estimate £200-300), and a Victorian 9ct gold graduated curb link albert chain (£400- 500) alongside more modern items including an 18ct gold pink tourmaline and diamond ring hallmarked for London 2012 (£150-200).
The next Fine Jewellery, Watches and Luxury Handbags sale will be held on July 7 with a Jewellery sale on July 28.
New head in Leyburn
Jacqueline Adams has joined Tennants as head of jewellery.
Meanwhile, Tennants has appointed Jacqueline Adams, previously a regional jewellery specialist for Bonhams, as its new head of jewellery. The Leyburn firm has six dedicated Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sales each year with jewellery lots also included in the popular fortnightly Antiques and Interiors sales.
Adams brings over 25 years’ experience of working with jewellery at Sotheby’s, Phillips and, most recently, Bonhams. Former Tennants head Sarah Hardy has relocated to Anglesey.
The June 27 sale of Jewellery, Watches and Silver at Tennants includes this Edwardian peridot and seed pearl necklace, estimate £300-400.
Closed since March, Tennants is planning to begin a programme of ‘live online’ auctions on May 27 with a sale of Jewellery, Watches and Silver scheduled for June 27.
Director Jane Tennant said of the appointment: “Plans to grow the business remain unchanged despite coronavirus. We are delighted Jacqueline has joined us at Tennants, bringing with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, and a passion for her subject. In these challenging times, it is even more important for our clients to know we are here for them, offering a reliable service they can trust.”
