Diamond butterfly brooch set to sparkle

A little brooch in the form of a butterfly, is estimated to sell for £1,500-2,500 in Dorset auction house,  Charterhouse’s specialist auction of Jewellery, Silver and Watches on August 1. 

Naturalistically modelled, the butterfly has a thorax made from a single diamond weighing over 1.5ct, an abdomen made from a large sapphire and diamond wings set with little rubies. 

“It is a sweet looking brooch which has survived over 100 years in wonderful condition, complete with antennae,” commented auctioneer Richard Bromell.  

The following day, on August 2 a collection of Royal Crown Derby valued at thousands of pounds will go under the hammer at the auction house’s Antiques & Interiors sale. 

“Although the collection is made up of modern Royal Crown Derby, there is still a strong market for collectors looking to add to the collections and this is a great opportunity for them,” said Richard.  

Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in this country. It started in 1750 when Andrew Planche established the first china works in Derby. In 1775 King George III granted Derby the honour of incorporating the crown into their backstamp. Today, Royal Crown Derby is known across the world for their fine bone china.