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Diamonds are the birthstone of April and one of the most sought-after gemstones all year round. They have captivated us for centuries due to their brilliance and are now ubiquitous as gifts for milestones in our lives.
In diamonds, we have learned to look for the absence of colour and inclusions, which are two of the 4Cs we always hear about – colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. However, they are not only colourless but diamond crystals with a variety of hues can also be mined in nature. Coloured variants are not as well known for several reasons, not least, their rarity and incredibly high price tag.
Diamonds: Colour
Before delving into specifics, it is crucial to remember that diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a tight crystal lattice structure. When carbon is joined in the structure by other impurities, they might affect the speed of the light travelling through the gemstones and therefore the final colours that appear to our eyes. For instance, nitrogen is the most common impurity causing yellow and brown hues. Conversely, boron impurities can produce a blue colour.
Moreover, as with many other fascinating features developed in nature, the colour can also come from a defect in their structure. When the crystal lattice undergoes deformation from the high pressure essential for diamond formation in the Earth’s mantle, it can create ‘colour centres’. The same might happen if they are exposed to particular kinds of radiation. These ‘colour centres’ absorb specific wavelengths of light, resulting in a coloured appearance.
Colour can also be produced artificially, replicating some of these processes that occur in nature. The market for coloured diamonds is niche, although the promotion of the Argyle mine in Australia is a good example of coloured diamonds attracting the wider public attention and being sold as collector pieces by jewellery shops and dealers alike. This mine, mostly known for pink diamonds, has brought to light a variety of other colours such as champagne, cognac, blue, violet, and the rare red. Production ceased in 2020, which has arguably made diamonds from Argyle and of good quality, even more attractive.
Specimens with good colour saturation tend to carry very high prices, especially if they have been certified as fancy-coloured diamonds. If your budget is on the smaller side, you might find it interesting and more convenient to have a look at diamonds with another secondary hue, such as ‘brownish-yellow’ instead of yellow, or ‘purplish-pink’ instead of pink, as when set in jewellery it might result difficult to notice any secondary colour. The same happens for the cut of the diamond, when purchasing a shape that is not the classic round brilliant, the competition will not be as fierce and consequently it will be more convenient.
Diamonds: The Trends
A new trend might also be identified in the so-called ‘salt & pepper’ diamonds as well as the ‘tinted’ ones. Both highlight the natural features of diamonds, the ‘salt & pepper’ are heavily included diamonds that would normally be discarded from being set in jewellery but are now having a ‘revival’ moment due to more and more people appreciating the natural inclusions and imperfect look. Diamonds described as ‘tinted’ are part of the ‘cape series’ of diamonds and lack the saturation to be considered ‘fancy diamonds’. They can, however, sometimes show attractive yellow hues and are used in jewellery asa compromise with more expensive examples of fancy-coloured diamonds.
Diamonds at Auction
Lot 31
Assorted vari-shape ‘purplish-pink’ diamonds, 9.24ct
Estimate: £150 – £200
Lot 33
Assorted brilliant-cut ‘yellow’ diamonds, 8.01ct
Estimate: £120 – £180
Lot 69
Marquise-shape diamond, 1.14ct. With Anchorcert
Estimate: £700 – £900
Lot 73
Oval-shape ‘brown’ diamond, 0.56ct
Estimate: £100 – £150
Lot 74
Colour-treated diamonds, 1.22ct
Estimate: £50 – £80
Gemstones | Wednesday 1st May
Viewing times (ID required):
Birmingham
Friday 26th April 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 30th April April 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Arianna Pedrazzoli BA (Hons), MLitt, FGA | Gemstone Manager
Posted in Gemstones
Tagged auctioneers, auctions, birthstineblog, Birthstone, Diamond, diverse, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, manager, Ring, specialist
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Aquamarine is the light blue variety of beryl. Interestingly, the green variety is called emerald and the pink variety is called morganite.
This gemstone can be found in many locations across the world. However, the majority are in Brazil. There are also mines in Pakistan, Madagascar, USA, and Zambia.
Aquamarine: etymology
Its name derives from Latin ‘aquamarina’. This is from ‘aqua’ meaning water, and ‘marina’, of the sea. This is a lovely translation of this beautiful gemstone’s colour.
Aquamarine: characteristics
Beryls tend to grow in long crystals with hexagonal cross sections and end with either a flat top or pointed like a prism. This shape affects the gemstone’s hardness and toughness. In fact, beryls are hard and durable with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. But, due to the crystal structure, they are quite brittle. This means that extra care is needed when they are set into jewellery and when used for everyday wear.
One of the most desirable colours is the dark blue aquamarine which carries the name of the location where it was first discovered, Santa Maria, in Brazil.
Aquamarine: myths
It was once believed that this gemstone would protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. Ancient Roman folklore tells of the belief that aquamarine had fallen from the treasure chest of a mermaid, becoming the sacred jewel of Neptune. Sailors were known to wear them as talismans to keep them safe at sea and to prevent sea sickness.
Sea-faring Romans weren’t the only ones who thought that aquamarines could protect them. In the Middle Ages, people believed that wearing this gem would prevent them from being poisoned. Ancient Romans would carve them into frogs to help turn enemies into friends.
People would also use the powdered gemstone in medicines to help cure a variety of ills. These included infections, eye ailments, and allergic reactions.
As well as being the birthstone for March, it is also an anniversary gift. People traditionally receive this gemstone on their 19th wedding anniversary, to bring happiness in the marriage.
Famous items and owners
One of the most desirable suites of aquamarine belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. Known as ‘The Brazilian Aquamarine Parure’, the President and people of Brazil gave them to the Queen for her coronation. The Queen herself subsequently added to the set over the years.
The largest faceted aquamarine in the world is the ‘Dom Pedro’. It stands at 14 inches tall and weighs 10,363 carats. The ‘Dom Pedro’ is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institution‘s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
Aquamarines at auction
This is a very popular gemstone and we see it in a range of our auctions. Whether it is set into jewellery in the Fine Jewellery and Jewellery auctions or appears as loose gemstones and mineral specimens in the Gemstones and Antiques & Collectables auctions, there is something for everyone.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged Aquamarine, beautiful, Birthstone, Fellows, Jewellery, march, specialist, wow
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As we enter 2021, we have been researching the birthstones for the months at the beginning of the year. Emma Testill, Catalogue Manager from the Jewellery Department at Fellows Auctioneers, has been discussing Garnet, the January birthstone.
Garnet takes its name from the Latin ‘granatus,’ meaning grain or seed. Garnets exist in a variety of colours; most commonly red, but also in purple, orange, brown, yellow and green hues. The main types of garnet used in jewellery include almandine, demantoid, tsavorite, hessonite, pyrope and spessartine.
Demantoid garnets have characteristic inclusions that resemble horsetails, whereas hessonite garnets have an unmistakable treacly internal appearance. Garnets are fairly abundant and can be found in various locations across the world, most notably Russia, India, USA, Africa, Central and South America.
Emma Testill – Catalogue Manager from the Jewellery Department at Fellows Auctioneers
The Ancient Romans used carved garnet signet rings to stamp the wax seals on their important documents. Garnet was often used as the gemstone inlay as part of the cloisonné technique, common of Anglo-Saxon England, thousands of garnet cloisonné pieces of jewellery and armory were discovered in the famous Stafford shire Hoard of 2009.
Traditionally gifted on a 2nd wedding anniversary, to represent passion, love and friendship. One of the largest rough and almost perfectly formed garnets known to exist is the ‘Subway Garnet,’ found in August 1885 in Manhattan, New York, during an excavation of a subway; it is estimated to weigh around 22,000 carats and is stored at the American Museum of Natural History. An array of garnet pieces feature throughout our January sales.
A rhodolite garnet and vari-cut diamond cluster ring.
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged 2020, auctionhouse, Birmingham, Birthstone, Garnet, january, month, specialist
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Fellows’ Watches auction has broken a house record for the number of bidders at one of their timed auctions. The sale, ending on Monday 20th April, had a total of 1,150 registrants on Fellows’ platform alone and over 400 more on The-Saleroom.com. 1,600 is the most registrants ever signed up for a timed-auction with Fellows, way-surpassing the 716 registrants who signed up to their Jewellery auction on Thursday 16th April. The Watches auction, showcasing 377 lots, ran for a total of seven and a half hours, from 11am – 6:30pm.
An Omega Speedmaster which sold for £4,657.40 in Fellows’ Watches Sale
The in-demand sale was full of stunning watches from a variety of brands including Tag Heuer, Rolex, and Omega. The auction had an 87% sell-rate and showcased the strong demand for elegant timepieces. Many watches, most notably from Rolex and Omega, exceeded their auction estimates and they often received 20-50 bids each. An 18ct yellow gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date watch sold for £13,079 (including fees) against an estimate of £4,500 – £5,500. Furthermore, a gentleman’s stainless steel Speedmaster chronograph by Omega sold for £4,657 (including fees) against an estimate of £1,200 – £1,800.
Steven Yambo, Senior Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We received record registrants in our Watches sale and I am thrilled there is still a demand for all kinds of timepieces. So many items flew above their estimates and I enjoyed watching people bid on the auction even down to the wire. Our watch auctions at Fellows continue to go from strength-to-strength and even with the way the world is at the moment people still seem to be taking part in our auctions.”
Steven Yambo, Senior Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers
Fellows Auctioneers currently have an auction of Online Jewellery (ending 30th April), via their website and is actively seeking consignments for the full calendar of auctions in Spring/Summer 2020.
Highlights from Fellows’ Watches Sale which ended on Monday 20th April (prices are inclusive of all fees):
- Lot 9 – BLANCPAIN – a gentleman’s 18ct yellow gold Villeret chronograph wrist watch. Estimate: £1,200 – £1,800. Price realised: £3,381.40
- Lot 64 – CARTIER – a mid-size bi-metal Ballon Bleu bracelet watch. Estimate: £2,500 – £3,000. Price realised: £5,295.40
- Lot 98 – FRANCK MULLER – a lady’s 18ct white gold Cintree Curvex wrist watch. Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000. Price realised: £4,721.20
- Lot 178 – OMEGA – a gentleman’s stainless steel Speedmaster chronograph bracelet watch. Estimate: £1,200 – £1,800. Price realised: £4,657.40
- Lot 292 – ROLEX – a gentleman’s 18ct yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date bracelet watch. Estimate: £4,500 – £5,500. Price realised: £13,079.00
Posted in All, News, Watches
Tagged auctionhouse, Blancpain, breaking, Heuer, omega, record, registrations, rolex, specialist
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We have started a new series, exclusive to our Instagram followers. Words on Watches is a conversation between our specialists, giving them the opportunity to tell our followers more about their favourite watches in the upcoming auction. You can watch the full video here.
This month, we spoke to Steven Yambo [SY] and Carrick Matley [CM] about their picks from August’s The Watch Sale.
Given the success of the video, we thought it would be fun to catch up with Steven and Carrick to see what they thought about the process. We’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that is required to make the series. Steven and Carrick spoke to us [F] about their experiences making the video.
Steven Yambo and Carrick Matley
[F] Hi, guys! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s talk Words on Watches. Out of all of the pieces in the sale, you picked just a couple. You had quite a varied selection of pieces for the video. From classic, simple, vintage pieces, to extremely modern and complicated. What made you choose these watches?
[CM] In all honesty it was a bit of a struggle to settle on these, we have such a wide array of stunning pieces in this sale that picking out just four highlight pieces was always going to be difficult. Nevertheless, the lots I chose are prime examples at showcasing both vintage and modern innovative design. When I look at Lot 185, the Patek Philippe 1579, I see everything a dressy chronograph watch should be, from the elegant case design down to the simple yet effective dial layout. This is truly a watch that deserves high praise and attention and one I was more than happy to talk about.
[SY] The ones I picked were chosen as they were unusual rare watches that we don’t get to see every day. Like Carrick, the Patek particularly stood out to me. We get to see many watches in the watch department every day and at every price point but these stood out as being really special. The Omega tourbillion is the first centre tourbillion I have seen in all my years dealing with watches.
[CM] I couldn’t agree more. The tourbillon is simply eye catching. Omega has made some of the most memorable models over the years from watches that went to the moon down to watches worn by James Bond, but here we have something that feels like more than a watch, it’s a marvel in engineering that breaks the mould on what is achievable.
Steven and Carrick engaged in conversation
[F] It seems like interesting pieces were the order of the day! You must have one watch that stands head and shoulders above the others. Come on, spill – What was your favourite watch and why?
[CM] Hands down the Patek Philippe, it ticks every box for me in terms of what a watch should be. Practical, easy to read and outstandingly beautiful. The 36mm case design with the spider like lugs sits comfortably against the wrist allowing this watch to not only be something that you don’t get tired of looking at, but also one that you don’t get tired of wearing. As I stated in the video, “this is a watch I would love to have in a collection” and I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say that.
[SY] The Omega Speedmaster! With that reference, it’s such a rare watch. It is believed that they only made around 2200 before changing to the .003 reference. It’s in such great original condition and even comes with its box. With the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this year it will hopefully be a really popular lot.
[F] We’re so glad that you said yes to kicking off this new series. What did you hope to get out of recording the video?
[CM] I hope that this new style of video will allow me to put a face behind the watches. I hope that expressing our opinions mixed with some knowledge will allow us to connect with our customers, viewers and followers on a more personal level. The watches will always be the focal point but I hope that we can provide an element of entertainment to the videos that you take the time to watch.
[SY] I thought it would be a great way to show the rare pieces we have coming up. This auction, in particular, is a real opportunity for collectors to add some stunning watches to their collection.
[F] Given how much we enjoyed making the video and the fabulous response we have had online; we’re already looking forward to what comes next. What will your next video be?
[SY] The next video will be for our Watches sale. We have some unusual watches at a lower price point than The Watch Sale. For example, one watch I’ve already got lined up for the video is a Longines Electronic Divers watch with some great 1970’s styling.
[CM] We also like to hear any requests, questions or topics that those watching would like to see, we are always open to suggestions.
We certainly enjoyed making the video with Steven and Carrick. It really showed what a normal working day is like for us at Fellows. We didn’t have a script; it was simply a conversation between two watch enthusiasts in a relaxed environment.
We would love to hear what you think. You can leave a comment on the video or email hello@fellows.co.uk.
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged auction, Birmingham, chat, Fellows, limited, london, omega, patekphilippe, rare, specialist, Speedmaster, tourbillon, watch
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Peridot is the birth stone for August, it is known for its vibrant green colour and its distinctive lily pad inclusions.
This stone is surprisingly of great historical relevance. It is amongst the oldest gem materials on the planet with some of the earliest examples dating to over 4.5 billion years old. This ancient peridot is extremely rare and it not likely to be used in jewellery.
Throughout history before gemmological testing was widely practiced, this stone was often confused with emeralds. In the famous tomb of the biblical magi otherwise known as the shrine of the three holy kings in Cologne, Germany, there is a very large 200ct peridot that was originally believed to be an emerald.
During the aesthetic period of the Victorian era peridot grew in popularity as it was the favourite gem stone of king Edward VII.
In our upcoming jewellery sale, we have a wide selection of peridot set jewellery ranging from some modern examples like lot 116, A pair of 18ct gold diamond and peridot hoop earrings and lot 500, An 18ct gold cluster ring, set with diamonds and peridot. We also have some period example such as lot 410, An early 20th century 15ct gold peridot and cultured pearl brooch.
This blog was written by Oliver Horner, Jewellery Assistant from Fellows’ London office.
Posted in Jewellery, Uncategorized
Tagged auction, August, Birthstone, Fellows, fine, Jewellery, london, mayfair, peridot, specialist
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An Omega gentleman’s 18ct Sedna red gold De Ville Central Tourbillon is going under the hammer during Fellows’ upcoming Watch Sale, taking place on Tuesday 13th August. The elegant timepiece is no.2 of 50 limited edition watches created. Referenced 5133.30.00, the red gold watch is extremely rare and is estimated at £30,000 – £40,000 in the sale. This stunning, modern example encapsulates the beauty and innovation of watches by Omega. The watch is Lot 173 in the sale.
The Omega has a signed automatic calibre 2600, which was the world’s first central tourbillon movement. It has a silvered dial with baton hour markers, two superimposed sapphire discs on which the hour and minute hands are etched. The sapphire discs complement the watch and are incredibly rare. The timepiece has subsidiary running seconds with exhibition cut out to the centre revealing tourbillon escapement. It is fitted to a signed 18ct Sedna red gold bracelet with a folding clasp.
Michael Jagiela, Senior Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “I’m thrilled we have an extremely rare Omega along with countless other amazing watches up for auction in August. This edition was limited to only 50 and I’m sure we will get lots of people come to view and bid on the watch. The movement in Omega watches such as this is fascinating, with it containing calibre 2600, the world’s first central tourbillon movement.”
The Watch Sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
6 August 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
10 August 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
12 August 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
13 August 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
Photo identification is required to gain access to the viewing.
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged auction, Birmingham, calibre, central, Fellows, movement, omega, specialist, tourbillon, watches, watchlovers, wristenvy
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We’ve been speaking to Sophie Higgs, Designer Collection Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, on why Louis Vuitton handbags are so popular at auction. Lot 215 in Fellows’ upcoming Designer Collection, is a French Company (Louis Vuitton) vintage bucket handbag. Designed with the traditional features of the French Company period and has an estimate of £200-£300.
The French Company made bags under a special license for Louis Vuitton in the US from the mid 1970’s through the early 90’s to keep up with the production demands in North America. The French Company items were made differently to the Louis Vuitton bags that we see today, this makes them incredibly sought after.
One of the different features was that French Company bags don’t have a date code like we seen in Louis Vuitton items today, instead they have a tyvek (paper-like) tag sewn into the seam of the bag. Since tyvek tags could very easily be removed, finding on intact is incredibly rare. The hardware is also very different from current models. It has plated nickel instead of brass and it was not embossed with the Louis Vuitton name or Logo.
Louis Vuitton – French Company vintage bucket handbag
The French Company did not use the natural vachetta cowhide leather that we see today, instead they used various treatments and coatings which made the leather caramel in colour and so wont patina or water mark. The coating helped to protect the leather and ultimately made it more hardwearing.
The bags are also one of the rare exceptions to the ‘no monograms cut off’ rule in Louis Vuitton products, usually highlighted as a ‘red flag’ when trying to detect counterfeit bags, another reason why The French Company bags are so unique. These bags are incredibly collectable and very hard to come by so don’t miss your chance to own this gorgeous vintage gem.
Sophie Higgs, Designer Collection Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers
Posted in All, Uncategorized
Tagged auction, Designer, Fellows, handbag, louisvuitton, specialist, wow
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Oliver Horner, Jewellery Assistant from Fellows’ London office, has provided his thoughts on the birthstone for July.
Ruby is arguably one of the most beautiful precious gemstones due to its rarity and unmatched intense colour. Throughout history it has been associated with strong emotions such as love, passion and fury. Many pieces of period jewellery are set with rubies, which embody the connotations of these emotions and reflect the popularity of this gemstone throughout history. For example, ruby heart shaped gemstones were set into jewellery from as early as the Roman period, a tradition which has continued throughout history. We have a lovely Victorian ruby set snake bangle, Lot 197 in the upcoming fine jewellery auction on the 11th of July.
Oliver Horner, Jewellery Assistant from Fellows’ London office.
Important locations for mining rubies include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Burma. Burmese rubies are regarded as the finest examples on the planet due to their highly sought-after colour, the finest examples from Burma are describes as “pigeon blood” red and are among the most expensive gem materials ever mined. In our or upcoming Fine jewellery sale on the 11th of July we have some fantastic Burmese ruby examples both period and modern such as Lot 1 “A late Victorian gold Burmese ruby and diamond ring” and Lot 158 “A Burmese ruby three-stone and diamond cluster ring”.
Posted in Jewellery, Uncategorized
Tagged auction, Birthstone, Fellows, fine, Jewellery, July, london, mayfair, Ruby, specialist
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Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale on Thursday 16th May is set to feature one of the most alluring selections of Cartier to date. The sale includes 13 magnificent items from Cartier with a total high estimate of nearly £150,000 (£141,400). The esteemed French jewellery and watch company was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, who operated in a Parisian jewellery workshop until it expanded to include watches in 1874. In 1899 Cartier moved to their current Paris address before expanding to New York and London just a few years later. Known as one of the most popular jewellery designers in the world, Cartier’s pieces have been incredibly sought-after at auction.
The collection includes an 18ct gold diamond ‘Naide’ bracelet, an impressive pair of 18ct gold brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings, and a beautiful 18ct gold diamond and pink enamel ‘Pasha’ automatic bracelet watch. Over the years Fellows have sold an abundance of elegant Cartier jewellery for a range of prices, including a platinum diamond ‘Lia’ ring for £151,200 in September 2017. Fellows also sold an 18ct gold diamond ‘C Heart of Cartier’ necklace for £10,336 in March this year.
Alluring Cartier jewellery in the upcoming Fine Jewellery sale.
Ben Randall, Fine Jewellery Catalogue Manager comments: “Jacques Cartier travelled extensively in search of inspirational gemstones and opportunities to create jewels. Cartier made themselves the default jewellers to the rich and famous clientele around the globe. That spirit carries on today. The diversity and range of their production means there is something to suit every taste. Cartier have high standards of design and craftsmanship and have followed fashion without being slavish to it. They have produced jewels which are archetypal of the age but remain timeless. Their creative use of carved gemstones in the Art Deco period is a joy to see.
“We are thrilled to showcase an amazing range of Cartier in the May Fine Jewellery sale. My favourite piece has to be Lot 200. The bold Art Deco lines, refined to an elegant circle, are still so immensely wearable today. The beautiful item even retains its original case.”
Cartier highlights from the Fine Jewellery auction include:
- Lot 108: CARTIER – a ‘Draperie’ necklace. Estimate £6,500 – £8,500.
- Lot 225: CARTIER – an impressive pair of 18ct gold brilliant-cut diamond stud earrings, of 1.28cts and 1.25cts respectively. Estimate £20,000 – £30,000.
- Lot 226: CARTIER – an 18ct gold diamond, emerald and onyx ‘Panthere de Cartier’ pendant, with cord. Estimate £20,000 – £30,000.
- Lot 227: CARTIER – an 18ct gold diamond ‘Naide’ bracelet. Estimate £25,000 – £35,000.
- Lot 230: CARTIER – an 18ct gold diamond and pink enamel ‘Pasha’ automatic bracelet watch. Estimate £8,000 – £12,000.
February saw some fascinating jewellery go under the hammer. We wanted to explore a resurgence in specific items of jewellery ahead of a special and busy period at Fellows. Annabel Zarandi, Jewellery Specialist from Fellows’ London office, has been discussing items which are hot in the market at the moment.
Annabel said: “Novelty brooches sold very well in February. Swallows and crescent moons seem to be selling amazingly well too. We have sold some lovely old Victorian pieces – and actually anything celestial themed is popular which works out quite well because in our first Fine Jewellery sale we have a Victorian gold moonstone man-in-the-moon brooch (Lot 247).”
Fellows’ first ever Fine Jewellery sale takes place on Thursday 21st March – and the auctions are set to be full of around 500 lots including popular designer, animal, antique jewellery and much more.
A late Victorian gold moonstone man-in-the-moon and diamond star brooch. Featuring in Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale on March 21st
Annabel has noticed an upward trend in novelty and animal jewellery in recent times.
She said: “I really think that the demand for novelty jewellery has peaked over the past few years – a lot of animal jewellery has sold well. People really like particular symbols at the moment. Symbols have always been used in jewellery to represent a secret meaning. These symbols were especially popular with Victorian jewellery.”
Annabel Zarandi – Jewellery Specialist at Fellows
“The rising popularity in these symbols stems from major fashions houses such as Valentino, Stella McCartney and Cavalli using them in their campaigns from 2016 onwards. It has filtered down into jewellery with modern designers putting their spin on these designs, and it has created a bit of a renaissance for lovely Victorian pieces! We’ve had some great results on crescent moon brooches in February, which puts our next Fine Jewellery auction in good stead with a really beautiful Man in the Moon brooch.”
The Fine Jewellery auction is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
12 March 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
16 March 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
19 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
20 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
21 March 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
We spoke to Oliver Horner of Fellows’ London office about his favourite item in Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale:
Of all the items in our upcoming Antique & Modern jewellery sale, Lot 568 is of particular interest to me. This 19th Century diamond set brooch is punctuated with a sizable andalusite. From a historical aspect, this is an interesting choice as topaz would have typically been the preferential centre stone. The andalusite is a more unusual choice for the period. It’s not often you see this gem used in old period jewellery which enhances its appeal to me.
Lot 568 – A late 19th century andalusite and diamond brooch.
From a gemmological perspective, it is a stone that I particularly like. When two colours are clearly seen in a gemstone when viewed at different angles, the optical phenomenon is referred to as Pleochroism. Andalusite is a pleochroic material, and this particular stone displays two very distinct colours. The delicate diamond surround instantly draws your eye to this centre stone and its fascinating colour effect. It’s a great early example of a jeweller perhaps using a lesser known gem for its optical allure, making it a remarkable and exciting little piece.
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged andalusite, auction, brooch, centrestone, delicate, Diamond, Fellows, gemmological, hammer, historic, specialist
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Fellows’ timed Gemstone Sale is now live! There are some amazing gems in this sale which gemmologists will admire. We spoke to Oliver Horner, a Jewellery Assistant from our London office. Oliver has a passion for gemmology and he has picked out some of the star lots from this sale. With the birthstone for the month of July being ruby, we asked Oliver specifically about some of these precious stones in the sale.
1. Firstly, I wondered where your passion for gemmology began, and why?
I first became interested in gemmology whilst working in the photography department at Hampstead Auctions handling lots of different gem set jewellery – both antique and contemporary. I was curious to find out what all of the different stones were and why they were so valuable.
2. As the birthstone for July is ruby, I thought I’d begin by asking you why you think rubies are so desirable?
Rubies are such desirable gemstones due to their amazing colour, they come in a variety of hues ranging from light pinkish reds to darker reds and the highly sought-after “pigeon blood red”. They can also be free from inclusions and have very clean tones. Due to their hardness they can have a high lustre.
Oliver Horner, Jewellery Assistant from Fellows’ London office.
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Posted in All
Tagged advice, beautiful, Birthstone, cleantones, gemmology, gems, inclusions, July, julybirthstone, pefection, pigeonblood, pink, Ruby, specialist, stunning, Tourmaline, trade
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Fellows’ monthly watch auctions are the perfect auction to start your watch collection. We spoke with Steven Yambo, a keen watch enthusiast who has been a specialist at Fellows for many years.
When did your passion for watches begin?
It started from my dad who collected watches, particularly Omegas.
How many watches do you own and what are some of your favourite timepieces?
I own around 30 watches, mainly dating from the 1970s as this is an era I like the ‘out there’ style from. Unfortunately, they are not all from Patek or Rolex and they have been bought with a modest budget.
My favourite watch is a small Omega with a military style dial which my dad gave me for passing my GCSEs many, many years ago. I also really like an Omega Constellation ‘Pie-Pan’ which I bought at auction about 20 years ago. It was the first, but not the last, I bought at auction.
An Omega bi-colour Constellation ‘Pie-Pan’ wrist watch which Fellows sold in January 2018.
What makes you most excited before an upcoming sale?
The prospect of getting great results for the vendors and matching up watches to their new owners.
What advice would you give to someone who is now starting to collect?
Buy what you like! If prices go down, up or sideward, if you buy what you personally like then fluctuations in the watch market won’t matter. Also, if you look at a watch and you’re not happy with it or the price, walk away, there will always be another watch.
Steven Yambo – Senior Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers
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Posted in All, Watches
Tagged beginner, collection, Constellation, emperor, eurastyle, patek, piepan, rolex, senior, specialist, swiss, tagheuer, tools, watchparts, yema
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Diamonds – April Birthstone