Auction Insights

The wearing of naturalistic jewellery depicting identifiable flora or fauna became popular during the Romantic Movement of the late 19^th century. In our up and coming Silver & Jewellery sale on 16^th & 17^th May we have several good examples of this kind of naturalistic jewellery, including lot 3342 - a fantastic spray of wild roses, symbolising love, grace and joy which would have been worn as a bodice ornament, estimated at £3000-5000.

In the same naturalistic style, though probably a little later in date, we also have this beautiful pair of bee brooches, Lot 3336, estimated at £300-400. The attention to detail on them is incredible up to and including engraving single hairs to the thorax. Bees were a popular motif in the Victorian era, as they represented industriousness, loyalty and devotion. Also included in the sale is this very pretty swallow brooch, which carries an estimate of £200-300. Swallows symbolised faithfulness and were often given to loved ones before long voyages by the traveller as a promise that they, like the swallow would return home.

Also in the sale is a superb range of silver pieces that will be up for auction. Among the highlights are several sets of flatware, including an extensive Victorian silver rose pattern service by makers Chawner & Co. (George William Adams, William Robert Smily and Henry Holland), London hallmarked, estimated to fetch between £3000-£5000. Additionally a Queen Anne silver lidded tankard by maker James Chadwick, London, 1703, is also up for bidding, expected to sell in the region of £1500 – 2000.