Summer 2014 Fine Jewellery and Watch Auction Preview

Published 23rd June 2014

A Rolex Stainless Steel 'Oyster Perpetual 660ft 200m Submariner' Wristwatch (FS23/161) offered in our Two Day Fine Art Sale starting on 8th July 2014 at our salerooms in Exeter, Devon.

Rolex watches make regular appearances in our fine jewellery auctions due to their fearsome reputation for quality and reliability.

Rolex distribute high quality wristwatches which are sold under the Rolex and Tudor brands. There are three lines that Rolex have produced: Oyster Perpetual, Professional and Cellini. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch is designed for diving and is waterproof, heat proof, cold proof, vibration proof and dust proof. It's 'perpetual' rotor rewinds the watch with every flick of the wearer's wrist. Very collectable at auction today. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner wristwatch (FS23/161) is an example of this sought-after make, which is more affordable than some of Rolex's more exotic timepieces.

An amber neckless (FS23/170) being offered in the sale is expected to fetch £400-£600 despite not all the beads being true amber.

An amber necklace (FS23/170) being offered in the sale is expected to fetch £400-£600 despite not all the beads being true amber.

Amber jewellery is increasingly popular at the moment and it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish it from imitations. There are many types of amber today. Most commonly known amber is transparent with visible insects. This is readily available and of varying prices. Natural amber from the Baltic region, sometimes called 'butterscotch/egg yolk' amber, is most desirable in the current market. This type of amber is approximately 50 million years old and is often in the form of graduated, oval beads subsequently strung as a necklace. There is an attractive amber necklace in this sale (FS23/170), which has an estimate of £400-£600 despite not all the beads being true amber.

A 19th Century garnet oval brooch (FS23/176) carries a pre-sale estimate of £600-£800.

Garnets are a group of mineral that successfully mimic precious gem stones. The garnet within the oval brooch above (FS23/176) is known as a cabochon garnet. Garnets of this type were often used in the 19th century. Cabochon garnets were called carbuncles by the ancients because carbuncle also means large pimple on the face! Cabochon garnets vary in size and are set in types of jewellery such as necklaces and earrings, rings and brooches. Lot 176 is a good example of a piece where garnets have been incorporated with diamonds in a high-quality item.