Rare gold Guiliano bangle at Anderson and Garland
A rare Victorian turquoise and gold bangle made by the highly collectible Carlo Giuliano is expected to sell for thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer in Newcastle.
The renaissance revival gold, pearl and turquoise bangle is one of the highlights of the Anderson and Garland Fine Art Sale on June 16 and 17. Bearing the marks ‘C.G’ and ‘6P4’, the bangle features graduated pearls set around square and round turquoise cabochons.
The piece belonged to Vera Caldwell, the daughter of eccentric Scottish scientist William Caldwell, who went to Australia on behalf of the Royal Society to find out whether the duck billed platypus lays eggs. While there, he met Australian heiress Margaret Watt, whom he married and the couple settled in Morar in the Highlands. William continued his scientific researches into everything from colour photography to diesel engines.
The piece is being sold on behalf of her grandchildren who do not want to be named but now live in the North East.
Vera’s granddaughter said: “She had very blue eyes, and when he sometimes bought her jewellery, it often featured bright blue turquoises to match her eyes.
“Vera married very young and lived in the West Highlands. The bangle was a gift from Basil when he returned from a trip to London. We knew it was good but we had no idea it was designer. We were really surprised at the valuation.”
The piece has an estimated value of £1,000 to £2,000 but could sell for much more, as Carlo Giuliano is a very collectible jewellery designer who worked in the second half of the 19th Century.
Anderson and Garland auctioneer, Fred Wyrley-Birch said: “I first saw the bangle at the family’s house and I knew it was a nice item. It is extremely high quality that you just don’t get any more, it is a glorious colour and is in a wonderful condition.
“I researched the marks and realised it was a Carlo Giuliano. He originally worked in Naples for Castellani, and was sent to London to work for the company’s British branch before he set up on his own. This bangle ticks every single box that you want from a piece of Carlo Giuliano.
“This is the first piece by this designer that I’ve had the pleasure to offer for sale and we’re expecting it to generate a lot of interest and excitement among collectors.”