Insect brooches “are now highly coveted antiques”.
Insect brooches from the late 19th century formed a striking part of a treasure trove of jewellery that went under the hammer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers earlier this month, after being consigned following a recent house clearance in Lichfield.
There were also numerous rings, chains, bracelets, pendants and watches from the same estate – collectively realising more than £56,400 across 56 lots.
“Insect brooches originally became popular due to the Victorian obsession with natural history and are now highly coveted antiques,” explained Lisa Spence, head of jewellery at Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
This stunning single owner collection included numerous designs such as a beetle, butterfly, bee and fly.
As soon as it was announced the collection generated a real buzz and we had a huge amount of pre-sale interest.
Bidding on the day was enthusiastic and fantastic hammer prices were achieved across the board.
Highlights included an early-to-mid-20th century bee insect brooch, sold at £1,900; a large late 19th century beetle brooch, hammering at £1,250; and a gem set novelty tortoise brooch sold at £1,200.
A Georgian cameo and ruby ring sold at £1,900; a late 19th century ruby and diamond ring sold at £1,450; and a mid-20th century giardinetti style diamond brooch with fleur-de-lis influence made £1,000.
A longuard chain with fetter style links fetched £2,300; a 19th century hand clasp and chain, with the hand design clasp ‘wearing’ its own emerald ring with a turquoise setting at the wrist, made £1,800; and an Italian Adriano Chimento tri-colour articulated bracelet sold at £1,650.
An early 19th century miniature portrait mourning pendant by John Miers of cavalry officer Henry Richmond Gale (c.1760-1814), with the reverse encasing a lock of hair, made £1,250 and a late 19th century enamel pendant sold at £1,050.
Other treasures included an early 20th century solid 9ct gold cigarette case, sold at £6,400; a 1960s 18ct gold Omega Seamaster wristwatch on an 18ct gold mesh bracelet, sold at £4,600; and a Jaeger-LeCoultre ladies cocktail watch set with six rubies, sold at £1,400.
To arrange a free valuation of all types of timepieces, jewellery, collectables and antiques or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.
Free valuations of all types of jewellery, watches, gold and silver also take place at The Auction Café in Lichfield on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 3pm, with an extra date on Wednesday, June 24, again from 9.30am and 3pm.