Sparkling Success | Reflecting on Our Final Auction of the Year

Sparkling Success | Reflecting on Our Final Auction of the Year

By Emma Barnett

Our 19th November Silver & Fine Jewellery sparkled from start to finish, culminating in an impressive total just shy of £350,000. We were thrilled to see a busy room of collectors, enthusiasts and first-time bidders competing for an array of exceptional pieces. There was strong bidding across the board, with the sale featuring a large, private collection of enamelled jewellery. Here is a closer look at our top lots:

Lot 39 - a Victorian silver and gilt flask

This hip flask charmed buyers with its unusual egg-shaped form. It was stamped by 19th-century retailers Ortner & Houle of St James’s Street, London. Evan Ortner and Henry Houle were best known as specialist engravers, holding a Royal Warrant for the craft. Their skill is exemplified by the small owl crest engraved on the flask’s hinged lid. Following spirited bidding from online and the telephone, the gavel fell at £1,100 (+BP).

Lot 192 - a mid-Victorian gem-set, pearl and enamel Holbeinesque pendant

The star of the private enamel collection was the Medieval-style, Victorian pendant. The central stone was a bright blue Sri Lankan sapphire cabochon, surrounded by delicate polychrome enamel. Suspending a large natural saltwater pearl, bidders were impressed by the fine quality and craftsmanship of this standout piece, as it fetched £9,500 (+BP). 

Lot 229 - a mid-Victorian diamond-set en tremblent butterfly brooch

It is easy to see why this beautiful brooch achieved a five-figure sale of £11,000 (+BP). Its movement as an en-tremblant piece brought the butterfly to life, as the diamond-covered wings caught the light. 

Lot 240 - a Carlo Giuliano Renaissance Revival enamel and pearl bracelet

Strong results for enamel continued with this Renaissance Revival bracelet. Carlo Giuliano was a famous 19th-century jeweller, originally from Naples. He moved to London in 1860, where he founded his own workshop producing Italianate designs. The intricate pieces garnered the attention of Queen Victoria, who solidified his position as a master jeweller. Today, his work is still highly prized, with the bracelet achieving £9,500 (+BP). 

Lot 275 - a demantoid garnet and five-stone diamond ring

Coloured gemstones were popular with bidders. The most desired are typically sapphires, rubies and emeralds. However, this demantoid garnet ring claimed the top spot. Demantoids are extremely rare, and their brilliance can exceed diamonds. The most noticeable characteristic of a demantoid is the horsetail inclusion. A more vivid green than emeralds, there was fierce competition for the ring, which reached a hammer price of £6,500 (+BP). 

Although our 2025 auction calendar has come to an end, the team is not putting their feet up for Christmas just yet! Our Specialists are on the hunt for treasures to consign to our 2026 sales starting from February. Our doors are open to clients until Monday 22nd December.

If you have silver or jewellery you would like assessed, please contact us on 020 8396 6970 or send an email to info@catherinesouthon.co.uk. We would love to hear from you!