LOVE UNDER THEHAMMER

Love was certainly in the air during Trevanion’s February Valentine’s auction, where aspectacular sapphire and diamond ring sold for an incredible £15,000 +Buyer’s Premium. Thering, which featured an impressive 13.8 carat Burmese sapphire, was discovered at an estate in Shropshire.

“One of my favourite parts of this job is when clients arrive with abox of curios for us to explore!” says jewellery valuer Helena

Waudby

“It’s not uncommon to find precious jewels in unassuming places. However, the sapphire ring stopped me in my tracks –weknewimmediately that it was special. We arrangedfor it to be sent to the gem laboratoryfor formal identification, which not only confirmed that it was asapphire, but one of Burmese origin.”

Sapphires are amongst the most valuable gemstones in the world, but Burmese stones are considered particularly valuable for several reasons.

Burmese stones are rare and are found in specificmines in Myanmar (previously Burma). These mines have a limited supply and high demand. Second is their quality –their deep blue colour is considered the finest amongst sapphire hues, and their clarityand lustrealso contribute to their popularity.Lastly is their history –Burmese sapphires have along-standing association with royalty,nobility and wealth. They have been coveted for centuries, andtheir rich history adds to their value. “This stone had arich, even inky-blue hue that sapphire buyers arelooking for.It’s no wonder that it caught attention of buyers nationally and internationally.”

There was further success in the painting section with aselection of coastal landscapes by artist Donald McIntyre (1923–2009), consigned from an estate in Cheshire.

“McIntyre’s are muchsought-after on today’s market, sotohave four consigned by the same vendor was quite exciting,” says paintings specialist Simon Grover “Of particular note was Rocky Sea Shore No.3 which demonstrates McIntyre’s unique use of colour to create depth and texture, for which he is so well known.”

McIntyre was born in Leeds and studiedpainting in Scotland under renowned colourist James Wright RSW Whilst he had apassion for painting, McIntyre trained and worked as adentist, before leaving the profession age 40 to pursue painting full time. He moved to North Wales in the 1950s,where he was inspired by the iconic coastal landscapes and rugged scenery.

“Rocky Sea Shore No.3 surpassed its pre-sale estimate, selling for £3,800, followed by Breaking Sea and Bridge and White Boat which sold for £2,800 and £1,500 respectively

Further resultsof note came from the furniture section, with apair of George

III chest of drawers selling for £2,400. “Both chests are ofgreat ageand quality,” says furniture valuer Ian Woodward. “We suspected they might be stamped Gillows. However,these chests are unmarked. What makes them so unusual–and therefore so sought-after –isthe fact that we found apair.Individually,they are still quality pieces of good value, but having a pair certainly quadruples their value.”

There were further successes with a Regency rosewood table selling for £1,700 and aGeorge Ichest on chest which made £1,600.

Reflecting on the strong performance of the furniture section, Ian said: “The market seems to be on asteady upward trajectory.Weare still seeing exceptional results for rare and extraordinary items –things of unusual size, shape or composition, which are well constructed and in great condition.”

If you have acollection you considering selling or would like to find out what your items could be worth, call 01948 800202 or email info@trevanion. com and speak to amember of the valuations team.

Trevanion’s next Fine Art &Antique auction will be held on April 26.