Some exceptional jewellery is expected to attract international attention in Lawrences’ Spring auction in Crewkerne on 25 April 25.
A Victorian diamond necklace of outstanding quality, mounted with graduated diamond clusters and graduated diamond foliate drops set with circular old brilliant-cut diamonds and rose-cut diamonds, was formerly in the collection of Gladys Maud Lascelles (1886-1961), granddaughter of the Hon George Lascelles, brother of the 5th Earl of Harewood. The combination of high quality, good provenance and beautiful stones with exceptional sparkle means that the auctioneers expect this to make £20,000-30,000.
In addition, a fancy pink diamond solitaire ring with a pear-shaped stone set in 18 carat gold will be sure to catch buyers’ eyes. The stone has been assessed at just over 1 carat and is wholly natural with a desirable pink hue.
An equally natural but very different item is a necklace made of ancient amber beads from the La Toca mine in the Dominican Republic. “A specialist entomologist has identified many of the tiny insects embedded within the golden stones and these include such oddities as a stingless bee, flying ants, termites, mating midges, gnats and bees,” says Miranda. “Apart from being very beautiful with a warm and lustrous glow, this piece of jewellery is also a natural history lesson. You really can wear the bee’s knees!” This is expected to make £4000-6000 but fine quality amber beads have recently been selling for above expectations.
