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Antiques
Wednesday October 25 | 2023
Why jewellery boxes are a keepsake to cherish...
Rudolph Hamilton of Pushkin Antiques reveals the history of jewellery storage and tells Times readers why they are so important when it comes to preserving our precious gems found on the inner surface of shells, most notably in oysters and abalones. Its ethereal beauty is due to the way it refracts light, creating a stunning play of colours that shimmer and change as the viewing angle shifts. This natural wonder made it a highly sought-after material for jewellery and decorative items during the late 19th century.
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RUDOLPH HAMILTON
he grandeur and value of exquisite jewellery pieces demand an equally grand display and storage. Jewellery boxes from renowned jewellers are designed with this in mind. They are more than just functional; they are pieces of art that enhance the overall experience of owning and wearing fine jewellery. Solid silver jewellery boxes from the mid 1800s are precious artifacts that encapsulate the grace and craftsmanship of the era. Crafted during a time of extraordinary attention to detail and artistry, these boxes often feature intricate designs, exquisite engravings, and sometimes even enamel or gemstone embellishments, reflecting the opulence and sophistication of the 19th century. As the years moved on, other materials were used to craft these boxes. Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is an iridescent substance
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Crocodile leather jewellery boxes from the turn of the 20th century are a testament to the luxurious craftsmanship and exotic aesthetics of that era. Crafted during a time when exotic materials were in vogue, these boxes were characterized by their sleek, glossy crocodile skin exteriors. The inherent durability and unique texture of crocodile leather made them an ideal choice for protecting and displaying valuable jewellery pieces. Often lined with sumptuous fabrics like silk or velvet and fitted with secure clasps. As times changed and leather goods became more popular, jewellery boxes from the 1920s epitomise the Art Deco era's fusion of elegance and modernity. Crafted during a time of bold design and exuberant creativity, these boxes often featured geometric patterns, embossing, or inlays that reflected the Art Deco movement's characteristic sleek and streamlined aesthetic. The supple leather exteriors offered a sophisticated contrast to the ornate and delicate jewellery they held within. As artifacts of the Roaring Twenties, they evoke the spirit of an era
‘Solid silver jewellery boxes from the mid 1800s are precious artifacts that encapsulate the grace and craftsmanship of the era’ known for its social dynamism and a shift towards a more cosmopolitan and refined style. These boxes become cherished keepsakes in their own right. They are not just for storing jewellery; they are items to be displayed, admired, and passed down through generations, much like the jewellery they hold. In this sense, a jewellery box from a renowned maker is more than a container; it's a precious heirloom that adds to the story and legacy of the jewellery it houses.
OLGA PUSHKIN WITH HER PRECIOUS HEIRLOOM
BENTLEY’S
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ANTIQUES & FINE ART AUCTIONEERS
SATURDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 10AM (Please note earlier starting time 10am for Smalls & 11am for Furniture) Full Catalogue & Images Available Online Friday 27th October
Viewing: Thursday 2nd November 9.30am – 5.30pm. Friday 3rd November 9.30am-5.30pm. Saturday 4th November 9.00am-10.00am (10am Sale Starts)
PAIR 19TH CENTURY CONTINENTAL PORTRAIT OIL PAINTINGS INSET CARVED GILTWOOD FLORENTINE FRAMES EST: £500-£1000 GOOD QUALITY QUEEN ANNE WALNUT BUREAU, C. 1710 EST: £300-£500
FINE QUALITY 19TH CENTURY CHINESE SILK ROBE WITH RANK BADGES EST: £1000-£2000 PART OF A HUGE SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF AFRICAN TRIBAL ART FROM A SWISS GENTLEMAN (IN EXCESS OF 100 LOTS)
MID CENTURY DE SEDE LEATHER SOFA EST: £400-£600
HU YONGKAI (CHINESE, B. 1945) – ‘ECHOES’, MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER, 102CM X 51CM, WITH PROVENANCE FROM A SINGAPORE GALLERY SELLING EXHIBITION EST: £1000-£2000
OUR VALUERS ARE IN YOUR AREA FOR FREE HOME VISITS TO ASSESS AND COLLECT YOUR ITEMS FOR YOU, CALL OUR SALEROOM OFFICE TO BOOK YOUR FREE APPOINTMENT.
PART OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF JEWELLERY IN THIS SALE (VARIOUS LOTS AND ESTIMATES).
A LARGE SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF 18TH & 19TH CENTURY ENGLISH PORCELAIN, MAINLY NEW HALL (VARIOUS LOTS AND ESTIMATES).
A MEISSEN PORCELAIN MODEL OF GREYHOUNDS BY OTTO PILZ (1876-1934) EST: £300-£600
PARKING ON DAY OF SALE IN CRANBROOK SCHOOL CAR PARK (OPPOSITE) COURTESY OF CRANBROOK SCHOOL
The Old Granary, Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JQ
Telephone: 01580 715857 E-mail: enquiries@bentleyskent.com Visit us @ www.bentleysfineartauctioneers.co.uk
GOOD DECORATIVE REGENCY REVIVAL MARBLE TOP SIDE CABINET WITH PARCEL-GILT HIGHLIGHTS, PIERCED SIDE PANELS AND MIRRORED DOORS EST: £250-£450