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Trend for colored gemstone rings continued at UK auction

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Large aquamarine and diamonds ring, hammer price: £2,400 ($3,768). Fellows image
Large aquamarine and diamonds ring, hammer price: £2,400 ($3,768). Fellows image

BIRMINGHAM, UK – The atmosphere in Fellows’ crowded saleroom was one of high anticipation as traders and private collectors alike grabbed their last chance to view lots before the auction of antique and modern jewelry got under way on Aug. 13. Bidders were quick to pick up on the trend for colored stones, with lots 384, 399 and 592 all commanding high estimates and even higher hammer prices.

LiveAuctioneers.com provided absentee and Internet live bidding.

A huge aquamarine that was set with nearly 1 carat in diamonds on an 18K plain gold band (above) sold for £2,400. A similar design (below) was found in a sapphire and diamond ring, which sold for £2,200.

Sapphire and diamond ring, hammer price: £2,200 ($3,453). Fellows image
Sapphire and diamond ring, hammer price: £2,200 ($3,453). Fellows image

The third standout colored stone ring was accompanied with a report from the Gemological Certification Service, stating that the high quality Burmese sapphire had no evidence of heat treatment. Internet bidding through LiveAuctioneers snapped this lot (592) up for £6,000.

This Burmese sapphire and diamond ring sold to an Internet bidder through LiveAuctioneers with a high bid of £6,000 ($9,422). Fellows image
This Burmese sapphire and diamond ring sold to an Internet bidder through LiveAuctioneers with a high bid of £6,000 ($9,422). Fellows image

The interest in Cartier lots was also reflected in high hammer prices, such as lot 291, a striking Cartier platinum diamond single-stone ring, which a lucky bidder won for £11,000 – sold well over the £2,500-£3,000 estimate.

Cartier platinum diamond single-stone ring, hammer price: £11,000 ($17,277). Fellows image
Cartier platinum diamond single-stone ring, hammer price: £11,000 ($17,277). Fellows image

Lot 288 was a fun Cartier bracelet with ring and watch charms suspended from the fancy link bracelet, which had an eventual hammer price of £3,700 (estimate £600-£800).

Cartier charm bracelet, hammer price: £3,700 ($5,811) Fellows image
Cartier charm bracelet, hammer price: £3,700 ($5,811) Fellows image

For more information or to discuss consigning to Fellows’ jewelry auctions, the department at 0121 212 2131.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.