An alluring Austro-Hungarian necklace has sold for £900, on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society, at Fellows Auctioneers. The late 19th century neo-Renaissance enamel and gem-set necklace soared above its £600 - £800 estimate and received over 30 bids in Fellows’ Jewellery Sale. The necklace was unearthed in a bag of what was presumed to be costume jewellery. The eagle-eyed jewellery specialist noticed that it was something very special. It featured as Lot 29 in the sale, which ended on Thursday 20th August.

The gems in this sought-after piece included garnets, emeralds, and cultured pearls. The necklace’s seed pearl swag detail added a beautiful touch to its elegance. The item was sold in an overall good condition, containing various enamel panels that have been touched up with soldered stones.

necklace
The Austro-Hungarian necklace

Fellows frequently places items under the hammer to raise money for charitable causes, and welcomes entries into future auctions. The Costume Jewellery timed auctions often generate much-needed funds for charities such as Heart Research UK and St Michael’s Hospice. Items featured on the Fellows website which are being sold on behalf of charity can be seen marked by a charity logo -an image of two hands open.

Lindsay Beardmore, Jewellery Specialist & Catalogue Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “It was a pleasure to receive so much interest in this necklace early in our Jewellery Sale which raised £900 for the Alzheimer’s Society. This was a beautiful multi-coloured necklace which we knew would generate interest, but to achieve 32 bids was great. I am sure we can and will sell many more items like this for great charitable causes in the future.”

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. You can donate to help and find out more here.