Precious treasures 28 Feb 2022 Auctions News Suffolk News

Our Valuer and Auctioneer, Oliver Miller talks to about the current fiercely strong jewellery market and discusses why people decide to sell their precious treasures through auction.

From stunning diamonds and impressive emeralds to rare bracelets and perfectly formed pearls, Bishop and Miller Auctioneers have been fortunate to have managed the sale of many beautiful pieces.

Thousands of lots have passed through our saleroom in the last few years but with no two items ever the same, our expert eye and advice was required to ensure the pieces achieved an accurate price and perfect new home. Utilising skills built up over years of study and expert valuations. Our Jewellery valuators are passionate about fantastic and beautiful jewels and ensuring your treasured items receive the care and value they deserve.

Jewellery, particularly gemstones and gold and silver is fiercely sought after at the moment. The market for jewellery has remained very strong all the way through the pandemic and currently is at an all-time high. Prices are reaching record figures, to the delight of vendors. If you are considering selling an item, we strongly advise you get in touch now to maximise on the current wave.

Recent examples of above estimate hammer prices have include included a stunning yellow diamond solitaire ring, which sold for £16,000 and an 18-carat white gold diamond solitaire ring, which sold for £10,000. 

Another impressive lot which reached nearly £12,000 was a Columbian emerald and diamond bracelet set, with an approximate 3.5 carats of Columbian emerald and diamonds. A stunningly beautiful piece which was bought by a buyer for his lucky daughter.

Oliver Miller, our jewellery expert said, “The interest in jewellery has never been stronger. We are seeing the most gorgeous pieces fetching incredible prices. Buyers are viewing our sales from all over the world. Which is wonderful for everybody.”

So, who is selling the items and why?

As would be expected, people’s reasons for selling their jewellery is varied. Sometimes it’s because someone has only one precious piece but two daughters, so it is fairer to sell it and split the money rather than leaving it to one child and not the other.

Other motivations include people not being able to wear the pieces due to medical conditions such as arthritis in their hands. So, inevitably the bits end up sitting in jewellery boxes not able to be enjoyed but still costing to insure.

Similarly, some people may have no one to leave the pieces too and would rather sell during their lifetime to ensure their retirement was comfortable. Or if someone has inherited jewellery, quite often they don’t like the pieces. So, they decide rather than having the anxiety of keeping the items safe, plus the cost of insurance, they would prefer to send them back out into the world to find a new home.

Sometimes even people have items that they have no idea of the value or even where they came from, so come to see us so they can understand a bit more about their pieces.

Whatever reason people decide to put their jewellery in auction, our clients always appreciate our careful and considered approach, and the background information we give them when they bring their items to our free valuation days every Friday.

We never pressure anyone to sell with us. Indeed, if someone is showing even the slightest uncertainty or emotional attachment, we always advise them not to sell. We feel if it’s going to give a client a sleepless night, then the time isn’t right. More often than not, people will come back and proceed with the sale, as their original reasons were valid, but it has to feel right for them.

We are currently accepting consignments to our monthly jewellery auctions and our next Specialist Fine Jewellery Auction on the 23 June. This sale will be an exciting one as it will be our 500^th auction! As such and for the first time ever we are offering vendors 0% selling commission if your item sells for more than £500, which means 100% of the hammer price will be completely yours.

Contact us now to find out more or pop down to one of our drop valuations days on Fridays in Stowmarket between 9.30am-2.30pm.

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