Fabulous earrings bring flurry of bids

A TRULY fabulous pair of 19th century earrings prompted a flurry of bidding at Stroud Auctions’ March sale.

The Victorian Etruscan Revival gold earrings, in the form of an urn set with rubies, were made by Italian maker Carlo Giuliano, a goldsmith and jeweller who moved from Naples to London in 1860 and worked for a number of leading jewellers before setting out on his own.

Selling for £9,484, more than anyone expected, they proved once again that prices for the best antique jewellery are still on the increase, and were the auctioneer’s favourite lot.

The specialist sections of jewellery, silver, coins, watches, clocks and bijouterie are always popular, and some other really remarkable prices were also achieved.

A pair of Corinthian column candlesticks dating to 1902 realised £589 – once again these were of the best quality and pretty much an ideal size, and the eventual hammer price was really pleasing.

The highest price achieved among the 1,690 lots was £10,336, for a Cartier Tank 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch.

The surprise result of the sale was a William IV hallmarked silver- topped travelling dressing table set, comprising ten silver topped pots with hobnail cut glass bases, all contained in a brass inlaid wooden box.

Made in London in 1826 by Archibald Douglas, it sold for £1,459.

A total of 1,288 online bidders from 38 countries joined the sale.

The next auction will be on May 10 and 11, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, bladed weapons, taxidermy, sporting, ceramics and glass.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not come along to our public viewing day on May 9th between 10am and 6pm?

We are also still accepting items for our June auction, which will once again include jewellery, silver, watches and coins. This will be our first auction in our brand new purpose-built saleroom just outside Stroud, and we couldn’t be more excited. If you would like to see us in our new location then we are open for viewing as usual on Tuesday June 13th from 10am to 6pm.

If you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation or just email and ask for advice from one of our specialists.