The highlight of the sale at Dawsons (23% buyer’s premium) in Maidenhead on January 27 was a French Art Deco platinum and multi gem-pendant.
Made in calibre rubies and emeralds within a pave-set diamond surround and a calibre black onyx border, it is centred with a kneeling deity (probably Isis) and a surmount articulated panels, the largest centred with a lotus flower.
The platinum mounts have French marks, an indistinct lozenge-shaped maker’s mark and the number 65658.
Following a probate valuation, the vendor had been delighted to consign it for sale via Dawsons’ Hampstead office with a guide of £3000-5000. This ultimately proved very modest as, after a lengthy bidding-duel, it went to a US dealer for £39,500.
Aquamarine pendant
Another textbook example of Art Deco jewellery, an aquamarine cushion-cut pendant, sold for £18,000 (estimate £3000-5000) at Kinghams (23% buyer’s premium) in Moreton-in-Marsh on February 18.
Set in platinum with an old-cut diamond surround, the principal stone has an estimated weight of 85ct and was deemed “an exceptionally bright and vivid blue hue, very well saturated, with good clarity”.