10 a.m., Wednesday 24 February: mark your calendars. UK auction house Sworders is hosting its ‘Jewellery Sale’, replete with hundreds of sparkling gems and delectable jewels. While the pieces vary in style, colour and taste, they all share one thing in common: price. Placed at the affordable end of the market, Sworders’ sale is a must for first-time jewellery buyers or those looking to diversify their collections without breaking the bank. Here is a selection of our seven favourite pieces from the online-only auction.
An elegant, understated bracelet that would fit any occasion is this Victorian gold demantoid garnet and split pearl curb piece. The bracelet features alternating large and small hollow curb links, with a series of eight demantoid garnets and eight split pearls. The pieces are set in clawed collets and rub set to the centre of alternating large links, with a concealed box clasp and safety chain. The stunning piece is approximately 15ct gold, 190mm long and weighs 12.93 g.
Another remarkable piece for the wrist is this unique Swedish gold paste, split pearl and enamel hollow hinged bangle from c. 1850. The bangle has a split pearl to the centre to trefoil of emerald-cut red paste, with split pearls between, all spitch set to plain collets. The scrolling head has white and blue enamel decoration, while the lower half is left plain. The box clasp is concealed, and there is a figure of eight safety catch. It is tested as approximately 18ct gold, with Swedish assay marks, head approximately 29 mm wide, internal dimensions measuring 61 x 51 mm, and a weight of 15.18 g.
Who doesn’t like diamonds? This set is to be worn on the lobes: a pair of Continental silver and gold diamond-set earrings. The old European-cut diamond is claw set to the centre, to a palmette motif milligrain set with rose-cut diamonds. The silver settings are backed in gold, to post and hinged clip fittings. They are tested as approximately silver and 18ct gold, 21 x 17mm, and 8.58 g in weight.
Another set of earrings, designed as more of a statement pair, are these 9ct gold emerald stud pieces. The emerald is emerald-cut, claw-set to quartered polished and ribbed surround, with post and butterfly fittings. From London 1995, they measure 17.5 x 15.5mm and 6.87g.
Italian brand Mattioli has been creating trend-setting colourful jewellery for 150 years. The present piece is no exception, for which art lovers might see an influence from Surrealist Salvador Dalí’s iconic Mae West Lips Sofa. The Mattioli piece is designed as a pair of lips, with red enamel, to pierced finger guard, tapered shoulders and a plain shank. It is marked 750, tested as approximately 18ct gold, weighing 13.21, finger size K-L.
This fun brooch is fitting for all who love ducks. The 18 ct gold turquoise and diamond brooch is by Ben Roosevelt from c. 1960. A round cabochon turquoise set has been used for the eye, with a crescent of graduated eight-cut diamonds, grain-set in white gold, to textured body and plain polished beak, with pin and roller catch. The pin is tested as approximately 9ct gold, 38 x 25mm.
Another brooch that admires the animal and insect kingdom is this 14ct gold diamond set bee brooch. It uses rows of eight cut diamonds claw-set to the abdomen, and eight cut diamond rub set for eyes, to pin and roller catch. Made in Birmingham in 2000, it is approximately 21 x 22mm and 3.10 g.
As a reminder, you have until 24 February to make the most of Sworders’ delectable Sale.
![A diamond, ruby and sapphire butterfly brooch, late 19th/early 20th century [detail]. Photo © Dawsons](https://images.prismic.io/barnebys/ef823e17-0756-4745-90d8-13b0a8317d1f_Cover.jpg?auto=format,compress)
