LONDON.- A stunning late Victorian diamond fringe necklace, circa 1890, sold for £23,560 – almost double its pre-sale high estimate - at Mayfair auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb in an auction of Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Proud of the fact that they had not cancelled or postponed a single auction during the coronavirus pandemic, DNW’s first jewellery sale of the year showed the auction market to be strong and resilient.

The top lot of the day, estimated at £8,000-12,000, was the highly desirable Victorian diamond necklace, which although not presented with its original frame, could also be converted into a tiara. It was bought by a member of the London trade via the telephone following strong bidding from both private and trade buyers [lot 217].

A beautiful 19th century amethyst rivière necklace, formerly the property of Marie-Louise, Countess Manvers (1889-1984) far exceeding expectations, selling for £9,300 against an estimate of £1,500-2,000. Bought by an American buyer via the internet, who outbid strong trade interest, the necklace had attracted attention due to its interesting provenance, and was offered for sale by a cousin and god-daughter of the Countess’ daughter, Lady Rozelle Raynes [lot 181].

Further highlights included a pair of impressive emerald and diamond ear pendants by Greek jewellers Vourakis, which sold for £9,300 against an estimate of £5,000-6,000. Bought by a UK buyer via the internet, the earrings were set with emeralds totalling approximately 12 carats, and total diamond weight estimated at 6.50 carats [lot 127]. A classic Victorian triple row diamond crescent brooch, estimated at £3,000-4000, made a strong price of £6,820, selling to an American trade buyer [lot 231].

Among the watches, a stylish stainless steel Reverso Duoface Night & Day wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, circa 2010, sold for £5,208 against an estimate of £2,000-3,000. In excellent condition, the watch was bought by an Australian buyer via the internet [lot 288].