Diamond ring and Rolex Submariner lead sale

An important diamond ring and an 18ct gold Rolex Submariner will amongst the high value lots set to go under the hammer at Cambridgeshire’s Cheffins’ Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale on April 7.

The auction house said it will be the largest Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale they have hosted.

Leading the 234-lot jewellery section is a 11ct Old European cut diamond ring, dating from the early 20th century, which is estimated to sell for between £40,000 and £60,000. This is followed by a rare string of Australian South Sea cultured pearls, with a pair of ear studs, which have an estimate of £20,000 to £30,000. Other highlights of the section include a Carlo Giuliano diamond and pearl necklace and brooch en suite, with an estimate of £6,000 – £8,000; a Georgian diamond and pearl pendant, estimate £3,000 – £5,000; an Art Deco diamond set double clip brooch, estimate £8,000 – £10,000 and a Cartier Art Deco diamond set bar brooch, with an estimate of £3,000 – £5,000.

A string of South Sea pearls

The 100-lot watch section is one of the highest value watch consignments for Cheffins to date, with a number of headline items. Leading the watches is a Rolex Submariner, in 18ct gold with gold bracelet and blue dial with the original box and documentation. From circa 2008, the watch has an estimate of £10,000 – £15,000. There are also further examples from prestigious makers including Cartier, Franck Muller, Vacheron and Constantin and two of the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Reverso’ wristwatches.

A diamond ring and Rolex Submariner wristwatch

Steven Collins, Head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches at Cheffins, said: “This is one of the finest and widest ranges of watches and jewellery we have offered to the market to date, with all of these being fresh-to-market, consigned from private collections across the country. The Rolex Submariner is universally regarded as the Holy Grail for watch collectors and the example going into our sale is in fabulous condition and sure to attract a lot of interest. This sale is a great opportunity for jewellery and watch collectors alike.”

The silver section also sees some high value consignments, including a pair of William III silver candlesticks, dating from 1700, with an estimate of £3,000 – £5,000 and a George III silver oval two handled tray, with the mark of Peter and William Bateman, dating from 1807, with an estimate of £1,500 – £2,500.

Steve Collins continued: “2021 was a strong year for jewellery sales, with values at auction continuing to grow, whilst still representing significantly better value for money for buyers than retail. Private buyers were the main driving force behind many of our high value sales last year, however the jewellery trade have also consistently come to Cheffins to seek out both antique and contemporary finds. The diamond ring looks set to make a stir amongst both private and trade buyers and is the tip of the iceberg of the fantastic jewellery on offer on the day.”