Gold charms bidders in summer of love for jewellery and coins

Golden moments abound at auction but every now and then a result stops you in its tracks. Hansons had reached lot 257 in May’s Antiques and Collectors sale. Under the hammer was an 18ct gold charm bracelet. It held 26 glittering 18ct, 22ct and 24ct gold charms, plus the lot included four loose charms. The hammer fell at £6,100.

Charm bracelet owners may be surprised to know these trinket-rich delights are in such hot demand. But gold is seen as a rock solid investment in shaky economic times.

Lot 258, a 9ct gold charm bracelet with miniature £10 note, slipper, boxer dog, world globe, Scottie dog and poodle, achieved £1,060. It’s not unusual to see charm bracelets exceed £1,000. We have our ancestors to thank for this style of sentimental jewellery. The first charm bracelets were worn by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Hittites and began appearing from 600-400 BC. The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet or talisman to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.

In the 19th century Queen Victoria’s charm bracelets sparked a fashion among European nobility. She liked to wear them and give them as gifts. When her husband Prince Albert died she made mourning charms popular.

Charm bracelets sell well due to their weight but gold in all its guises is in demand. Unwanted jewellery or coins could give your bank balance a healthy boost.

Other top sellers in Hansons’ summer sales included lot 348, a gent’s vintage Enterna-Matic 3003 18ct gold wristwatch, £2,000, and lot 333, an early 20th century 18ct gold Thomas Russell & Son pocket watch, £1,000. And never underestimate the power of coins. A Charles I gold Unite coin, circa 1625, sold for £2,000. It was found in a dressing table by a client clearing her late aunt’s property. She assumed it must be fake and tossed it into a collection of low value 20th century coins. Thankfully, our expert spotted the golden gem. Worldwide gold prices have risen by 8% in the last three months and nearly 34% over the last year. Economic analysts predict gold prices will continue to rise significantly.

Entries are invited for Hansons’ jewellery sales. Enquiries Helen Smith: hsmith@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk. Free valuations of antiques, jewellery, dolls and teddies are available at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6DH. Dates include 30 June, 28 July, 25 August, 29 September, 11am-1pm. To find out more email jrawnsley@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

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