A Pretty Investment
06 Nov, 2008
While the current
financial climate may mean some areas of the art market are down,
the jewellery sector is certainly not out, as evidenced by Woolley
and Wallis's recent successful sale. Just under 400 lots netted
£300,000 (exclusive of buyer's premium), in a sale which included
several private collections from local families.
Buyers were
particularly strong for items of a high intrinsic value, suggesting
that investment in precious metals and gem stones is currently a
viable alternative to the stock market. Highlights in this area
included a three stone diamond ring, containing a 5.12 carat
cushion-shaped diamond, which sold for £15,000, a 2.2 carat diamond
solitaire ring at £6,000, and a garnet parure of necklace, earrings
and a ring, which doubled its bottom estimate to £2,300.
The sale was
boosted by a substantial collection of pre-war jewellery, being
sold by a titled Irish family, most of which doubled the pre-sale
estimates to total over £62,000. One of the more interesting lots
included in the collection was a very rare padparadscha ring, which
sold for £8,200. Padparadscha sapphires are highly valued for their
unusual pinkish-orange hues. Another strongly contested lot was a
three-row natural pearl necklace, chased to £13,000 with interest
from three different sources in India.
The next
jewellery sale at Woolley and Wallis is on 29th January,
and entries are already being accepted. For more information
contact Jonathan Edwards on 01722 424504.