SOTHEBY’S HOLDS its international jewellery auctions in Geneva, one of the world’s wealthiest and most sophisticated cities. The company claims there is, currently, “extraordinary demand and highly competitive bidding for jewels with historical provenance or by renowned designers”.
That assertion tallies with research by Barclays bank which showed precious jewellery to be the most popular category of fine art, antiques and collectibles among rich international buyers.
Next month, Alexandra Rhodes, Sotheby’s senior international jewellery specialist, will visit Ireland to offer free jewellery appraisals. “In the past, we have made some wonderful discoveries in Ireland,” she said, adding that she was “very much looking forward to visiting Dublin in September to see what treasures we uncover.”
Sotheby’s said that “jewels sourced in Ireland” have achieved strong prices, “in many cases, well in excess of their pre-sale estimates”, at previous Geneva auctions.
Among examples cited were: a Wolfers diamond necklace, “the property of a lady”, which sold in May this year for €106,710, more than double its estimate; and, a 1920s diamond tiara, “formerly in the collection of Lady Monteagle”, which made €22,091, well in excess of its pre-sale estimate of €8,500-€12,000. – MP
Sotheby’s “Dublin Jewellery Valuations” will take place on Tuesday, September 4th at 16 Molesworth Street, Dublin.
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