The Cheffins Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale which took place on 7th April grossed over £500,000, in the firm’s most successful jewellery and watch auction to date.
Leading the 234-lot jewellery section was a 11ct Old European cut diamond ring, dating from the early 20th century, which significantly exceeded its presale estimate when it sold for £75,000. Having been estimated to sell for between £40,000 and £60,000, the ring saw significant pre-auction interest and had multiple bidders from across the globe all compete for this important piece of jewellery. Other highlights amongst the section include an Art Deco diamond ring, which sold for £14,000 against an estimate of £5,000 - £7,000; a tapered ram’s head bangle which sold for £3,200 against an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500 and a diamond butterfly brooch which made £2,400 against an estimate of £800 - £1,200.
20th century diamond ring, sold for £75,000 and Rolex Submariner, sold for £28,000
The 100-lot watch section was one of the highest value watch consignments for Cheffins to date, with a number of headline items. The leading lot was an 18ct gold ‘Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner’ wristwatch, which over doubled its lower pre-sale estimate, selling for £28,000. Other highlights in the section include an 18th century gilt metal pocket watch by George Graham, selling for £1,400, well over its presale estimate of £400 - £600, and a Swiss 14ct gold Juvenia diamond-set full hunter pocket watch selling for the same amount.
Diamond butterfly brooch, sold for £2,400
Steven Collins, Head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches at Cheffins says: “The trade and public were all out in force at this most recent sale. The combination of this being the first sale we have been able to do unhindered by Covid restrictions, coupled with a great selection of fresh-to-market items ensured that this was the highest grossing jewellery, silver and watch sale at Cheffins to date. The bidding on the Rolex in particular was electric. We saw nine telephone bidders, four online bidding platforms, commission bids and a room full of people bidding live, all competing for this very special watch. Eventually a private UK buyer in the room saw off the competition. The diamond ring also saw massive amounts of attention, with multiple telephone lines and commission bids from the world over. The results of this sale go to show the market for the best in class of high value jewellery continues to strengthen, whilst modern men’s watches are some of the most sought-after items at auction as wait times for new models continue to frustrate buyers.”
Amongst the silver, a pair of William III-cast Britannia silver candlesticks sold for £6,000 and a Victorian three-piece tea set sold for £1,900.
Prices reported are hammer prices, not inclusive of buyers’ premium and VAT.
The Jewellery, Silver, Watches Sale – 7th April 2022
Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA