The last Cheffins Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale of 2022 took place on Thursday 24th November at the firm’s sale rooms in Cambridge. Grossing over £369,000, the auction saw a 95 per cent sale rate across the 531 lots offered.
Leading the jewellery section was an important pair of Burmese ruby and diamond ear pendants, which sold for £42,000 to a UK private buyer. These were followed by a pair of natural pearl and diamond ear pendants, which achieved £13,000 against an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000, when they sold to a UK trade buyer. Other key lots included a Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring which sold for £11,000 and a late 18th century topaz flower brooch which made £1,900 against an estimate of £700 - £900.
Burmese ruby earrings, sold for £42,000
The watches also saw some good prices paid, with a Robert Higgs late 18th century quarter repeating pocket watch selling for £6,500; a Breitling steel ‘Co-Pilot’ wristwatch selling for £5,000 against an estimate of £2,000 - £4,000 and an early 20th century silver trench style wristwatch by Rolex selling for £1,800 against an estimate of £600 - £800.
Amongst the silver, all but one of the 87 lots offered were sold, with two particular items seeing much attention. A pair of George II silver tea caddies and bowl, which sold for £3,200 to a UK trade buyer and a George V silver standing salt and cover by Wakely & Wheeler, which sold for £1,500. Robust results were also seen amongst the objets, with a rare George III 18th century silver nutmeg grater, with the mark of Peter & Jonathan Bateman, selling for £1,700 and a late 19th century Scottish 15ct gold snuff box which sold for £1,100.
George III 18th century nutmeg grater, sold for £1,700
Steve Collins, Head of Jewellery, Silver & Watches comments:
“We were thrilled with the results of the jewellery section in this latest sale. Being hosted close to Christmas and with a series of high value and very collectable jewellery on offer, ensured that we saw a significant contingent of buyers from the world over. The market for best-in-class examples of both modern and antique jewellery has continued to strengthen, and the watches, silver and objets sections of this auction saw good strong bidding by both the trade and private buyers, all eager for quality products with sensible estimates.”
The next Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale will take place at Cheffins on Thursday 16th February.
Prices reported are hammer prices, not inclusive of buyers’ premium and VAT.
The Jewellery, Silver, Watches Sale – 24th November 2022
Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA
For further information contact the Fine Art Department on 01223 213343, fine.art@cheffins.co.uk