Buying antique jewelry at auction can be extremely intimidating and also extremely exciting. Jewelry auctions allow the current bidders to set the fair market value of pieces at that given time. Sometimes that value is high, sometimes it is low, and this all depends on the dynamic of the auction. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the auction and overpay for things, so it is important to go into it with a clear head and your auction catalog handy (with notes!).
Fellows is a favorite auction house of mine because they come across very unique, high quality and unusual antique jewelry. Some heirlooms are really high end and beyond my price point and some I can actually bid on an ocean away over the internet! Score! This incredible establishment based in the UK has an auction coming up on April 17th, so I put together a collection of pieces I would potentially bid on.
These heirlooms below fit the criteria of being old and well made, but also affordable. Take note that I estimated the US dollars based on the current conversion rate and rounded up or down. These price conversions are subject to change. Also, read Fellow’s FAQ to learn more about their buyer’s premiums (about 20 – 25%) as well as other fees associated with out of country and online purchasing prior to bidding.
LOT 1: 15ct gold diamond snake ring, c. 1870. Estimate: 150-200 GBP / $250-$330 USD
LOT 8: French Art Nouveau 18ct gold diamond medallist brooch, c. 1905. Estimate: 300-400 GBP / $500-$650 USD
LOT 12: A late 19th century gold coral and split pearl pendant. Estimate: 240-340 GBP / $400-$550 USD
LOT 23: A late 19th century 9ct gold hinged snake bangle. Estimate: 150-200 GBP / $250-$330 USD
LOT 25: 1.40ct antique diamond floral cluster ring. Estimate: 1,600-2,200 GBP / $2,650-$3,650 USD
LOT 27: A pair of late 19th century garnet ear pendants. Estimate: 150-200 GBP / $250-$330 USD
LOT 33: An early 20th century 9ct gold moonstone and jade necklace. Estimate: 300-400 GBP / $500-$650 USD
LOT 59: An early 20th century 9ct gold split pearl and garnet pendant. Estimate: 100-150 GBP / $165-$250 USD
LOT 83: Platinum and 15ct gold demantoid garnet owl and crescent brooch, c. 1910. Estimate: 180-260 GBP / $300-$430 USD
LOT 350: An early 20th century platinum and 18ct gold ruby and diamond butterfly brooch. Estimate: 400-600 GBP / $650-$995 USD
