Category Archives: Auctions

Auctions Simplified

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Duncan Parker

AUCTIONS Bidding at an auction, or even attending an auction, is an adventure that’s entertaining and fun. Some people wonder if going to an auction might see them leaving with treasures they didn’t mean to buy. The idea of bidding … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Appraisals, Auctions, Jewellery, Watches | Tagged auction, bid, buying, shopping | Comments Off

Presentation Jewels

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Duncan Parker

Through history, jewels and items of precious metal have been given as tokens of recognition. These tokens are sometimes made as presentations to people who have achieved something of note. Presentation: A Gold Watch For 25 Years of Service Presentation … Continue reading →

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Tiaras and crowns

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Duncan Parker

Tiara: A Jeweller’s Crowning Achievement Once in a rare while, a tiara becomes available to the auction bidder. Tiaras are the essence of elegance, and always turn a gathering into an event. They convert a dance into a ball, the … Continue reading →

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Colour in diamonds

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Duncan Parker

We usually think of diamonds as being colourless sparkly beauties that create joy among the recipients. And so they are. However, we also have diamonds that are colourful sparkly beauties, too. Colour is a property of almost all diamonds, … Continue reading →

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Nature in Jewels

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Duncan Parker

The work of the goldsmith and jewellery artist constantly reveals influences of nature in jewels. Faberge’s eggs, made to commemorate birth, life and reconciliation are an obvious example. The sprays of flowers that were so popular in the 1950’s and … Continue reading →

Posted in Auctions, Jewellery, Uncategorized | Tagged design, jewellery, nature | Comments Off

Jewels tell stories

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Duncan Parker

Jewels tell stories, sometimes publicly, and sometimes secretly All jewels tell stories. An engagement ring carries the story of love. A wedding ring carries the story of something never-ending within its unbroken circle. An eternity ring emphasizes that unending circle of … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Auctions, Jewellery, Uncategorized | Tagged jewels, mythology, stories, symbols, Victorian | Comments Off

Birthstones in fine jewellery?

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Duncan Parker

We all have preferences in our choice of gemstones, but one thing we might feel more connected to is our birthstone. Birthstones are gems that have been chosen for astrological reasons and are associated with certain months. In almost every … Continue reading →

Posted in Auctions, Gemmology, Jewellery | Comments Off

Things always go up in value, don’t they?

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Duncan Parker

An appraiser or valuer regularly hears things along the lines of “my last appraisal was eight years ago, so I guess it’s gone up since then”. We do like to think that this is the case, but, sadly, it isn’t … Continue reading →

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A Brooch With Greatness

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Duncan Parker

A brooch is something that makes a statement to the world. It’s often worn on a coat, blazer or jacket, it isn’t limited to a time of day or a type of clothing. Women and men wear brooches equally. The … Continue reading →

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Art Nouveau Pendant at Auction

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Duncan Parker

To be offered in the Spring 2014 sale, June 22, this pendant is an elegantly simple jewel. It came to the auction in a fitted box, can you imagine a workshop set up specifically to build boxes that are made … Continue reading →