Fine jewels sparkle at auction
Another exceptional catalogue for our latest Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale on Tuesday 3 February 2026 comprised almost 600 lots, attracting bidders from as far afield as Australia, the USA, Dubai, Poland, Switzerland and France.
A truly impressive 91% of lots were sold, achieving a total sale value of £645,000 including fees.
These results underscore the quality of the lots consigned by Gorringe’s and the success of our marketing of the sale, demonstrating both the standard of our cataloguing and our reach across the international marketplace.
Samuel Hug, Gorringe’s Head of Jewellery, said:
“We're delighted to have started 2026 with such a strong sale. Excellent results across the board prove the resilient and international appeal of jewellery at auction, with a particular emphasis on antique and vintage jewels.”
Across the jewellery section of the sale, the excellent results reflect an enduring demand for rare and handcrafted antique jewels at auction, while our watches section elicited interest across periods, from Victorian fob watches to modern luxury wristwatches. In our silver section, high-quality tableware performed well alongside several unusual, novelty items.
Some particularly impressive results are highlighted below. All sold prices include fees unless otherwise stated.
Jewellery highlights
Several fine diamond pieces shone particularly brightly, including our cover lot – lot 591. Dating to around 1900, this exquisite diamond tiara was retailed by Carrington & Co., a distinguished Regent Street jeweller. Composed of a series of foliate spikes, set with circular-cut and rose-cut diamonds, it detaches to form a necklace and a pair of brooches. This very special piece, presented in its original case, comfortably reached its high estimate of £12,000 (before fees) as the final lot of the sale.
Lot 557, a beautiful and highly wearable diamond rivière necklace dating to the early 20th century, sold for £10,000 against an estimate of £3,000-5,000, while lot 563, a Belle Epoque amethyst and diamond demi-parure comprising a necklace and matching earrings, sold for £8,125 (estimate £3,500-5,500).
Lot 579, a more modern piece, but one with a starry provenance, also attracted interest. The fine diamond line bracelet dates to the mid century and was acquired from the estate of Sheila Farebrother (1925-2017), mother of Elton John. It was purchased for £14,375 against an estimate of £8,000-12,000.
The timeless appeal of diamonds was again apparent with lot 586, a pair of elegant Belle Epoque diamond earrings, which achieved a price of £10,625 (estimate £3,000-5,000). These were followed by lot 587, a splendid Art Deco diamond brooch dating to around 1915, which sold for an impressive £6,875 against an estimate of £2,000-3,000.
Once again, the popularity of jade proved evergreen at the sale. Lot 393, an Art Deco jadeite and diamond necklace, was purchased for £9,375 before fees: more than seven times its high estimate. Lot 389, meanwhile, a striking Cartier Art Deco nephrite, enamel and diamond desk timepiece featuring the words 'BONNE ANNEE' ('Happy New Year') in reserve, fetched £5,250, far exceeding its high estimate of £500.
Charming, handcrafted pieces inspired by nature also performed well. Lot 531, a sapphire, pearl and diamond necklace dating to around 1900 and featuring a pair of stately peacocks, achieved a hammer price of £5,500 (estimate £1,500-2,500). Lot 534, meanwhile, an unusual Victorian gem-set, pearl, enamel and diamond butterfly brooch, sold for £6,250 against an estimate of £1,000-1,500.
Perhaps unsurprisingly in a month defined by love and romance, we also saw keen interest in rare, handcrafted rings. Lot 541, a spectacular George III pink topaz ring, achieved a remarkable price of £12,500 against an estimate of £2,000-3,000. A number of other impressive examples included Lot 582, a 1960s emerald and diamond cocktail ring, which achieved a sale price of £6,875 (estimate £3,000-5,000).
Silver highlights
An impressive set of results for our silver lots included notable interest in novelty items. Lot 19 , a 19th-century silver novelty vinaigrette modelled as an articulated fish, fetched £500, tripling its low estimate. Lot 32, a late-Victorian silver cigar cutter modelled as a cannon, sold for £750 (estimate £150-200). Other popular items included a camel pin cushion and a pair of dachshund knife rests.
Watch highlights
We saw excellent results for watches spanning the last three centuries, with well-known luxury brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe attracting particular interest.
Lot 87, a gentleman's Swiss Franck Muller 18ct-gold Sunset wristwatch from circa 2010 achieved a sale price of £5,500 (estimate £3,000-5,000). A trio of Patek Philippes, meanwhile, included lot 80, a 1970s gentleman’s white-gold wristwatch, which achieved a price of £7,125 (estimate £5,000-7,000). Lot 85, a rare example in steel and gold from the 1980s or ’90s, sold for £16,250 against an estimate of £10,000-15,000.
A selection of Omega watches dating to as early at the 1930s included lot 95, a 1950s stainless steel RAF-issue pilot’s wristwatch, which easily exceeded its high estimate, selling for £4,500.
Our next Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale takes place on 28 April and entries are open now ahead of the deadline on 31st March.
If you’re interested in consigning an item from your collection, contact us or call us directly for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Our Lewes Galleries are open for free valuations:
- Tuesday - Friday 9am - 4.30pm drop-in any time.
- Monday, 9am - 4.30pm, Saturday, 9am-12pm for pre-booked valuation appointments.
Our Tunbridge Wells Office is open for free valuations:
- Tuesday: 1pm - 5pm drop-in any time.
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 9am-5pm drop-in any time
- Friday: By appointment
Tom Blest, General Valuer & Head of Valuations Kent is also available for pre-booked, complimentary home valuations as well as probate and insurance valuations which come with a fee.
Contact our Tunbridge Wells office:
So do come along with anything you'd like valued, we will be more than happy to help.
