LONDON.- The Auction Room, the new online auction house, is delighted to announce its inaugural auctions of Fine Jewellery (4th June), Watches (5th June) and Fine and Decorative Silver (6th June).

Founded by George Bailey and Lucinda Blythe, The Auction Room is built on the benefit of their combined 50 years’ experience working at Sotheby’s. Its aim is to transform the traditional auction experience by creating an interactive virtual saleroom.

“Through the innovation and accessibility of our cutting-edge online software, coupled with an essential knowledge of the traditional auction market, we can provide a new and exciting platform for specialist auction sales,” George Bailey said

The June auctions of Jewellery, Watches and Silver will provide the ideal opportunity for both first-time buyers and auction-regulars to invest in precious objects and collectibles, ranging in price from £600 to £20,000.

Setting it apart from many other online auction platforms, The Auction Room guarantees authenticity of all the lots offered. Not only are starting prices appealing, but also the buyer’s premium is significantly lower than at other traditional auction houses, at just 17.5 %.

Each auction features fewer than 100 lots, curated by a department specialist: Simon Cooper (Jewellery), Emma Reeves (Watches) and Claire Grindey (Silver).

The internet provides The Auction Room with a global marketplace but unlike other online auction platforms, the entire sale will be on exhibition at Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London for three days prior to the auctions. This will provide prospective bidders with an opportunity to view, try-on, and consult with the auction specialists before buying.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jewellery
• An impressive 1950s platinum and diamond spray brooch, pictured above, set with 38 brilliant-cut diamonds each raised in a four claw mount, with a further 46 channel-set baguette-cut diamonds, approx 13.75cts total diamond weight. Originally purchased as a gift from Antrobus of Bond Street, London, by the present owner's father for her mother. Estimate: £20,000-25,000.

• A good platinum and asscher-cut solitaire diamond ring, the central 2.05cts stone surrounded by small round brilliant-cut diamonds to the shoulders, approx total weight 0.15cts. The principal diamond is GIA certified, colour F, clarity S1. Estimate £12,000-15,000

• A fine diamond necklace of modern Art Deco design in 18ct white gold set with alternating round brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds. Approx total diamond weight 9.3cts. Estimate: £10,000-12,000

• A fine pair of American Art Deco platinum and diamond clips, each set with 39 baguette cut diamonds and 85 old brilliant cut diamonds. Approx total diamond weight of both clips is 16cts. Estimate: £9,000-12,000

Watches
• A fine Harry Winston ladies 'Avenue' 18ct gold and diamond-set bracelet wristwatch, circa 2007, the rectangular mother of pearl dial with polished gold hands, Arabic numerals at 12,3,6 and 9, diamond set bezel, sapphire crystal glass, signed Harry Winston on a 18ct yellow gold bracelet with a deployment buckle. Quartz movement. The watch was a gift from Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, to a well-respected employee. Estimate: £12,000-14,000

• A fine gentleman’s 18ct gold rectangular Patek Philippe curved rectangular wristwatch, retailed by Tiffany & Co, circa 1939. With black and gold hour markers, Arabic numeral at 12, polished gold hands, subsidiary seconds dial at 6, curved rectangular-shaped glass, case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by retailer, 18-jewel manual wind movement, on a black strap. Estimate: £7,000-9,000

• A Gentleman's Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal 18ct gold bracelet wristwatch, circa 1950, the silver circular dial with gold hour makers, on a smooth 18ct gold Vacheron weave bracelet, 19-jewels movement manual wind. Estimate: £6,000-8,000

• A rare lady’s Art Deco platinum, diamond and sapphire cocktail wristwatch by Pertusi, the rectangular dial with Arabic numerals, set with baguette and single-cut diamonds on an open work diamond bracelet with eight half-moon shape sapphires, diamonds approximately 4cts in total. Manual wind. Movement signed Delfa Watch Co. Estimate: £3,500-4,000

Silver
• A George IV silver-gilt ceremonial trowel, used by the Lord Mayor of London to lay the first stone on the City side of the new London Bridge on March 12, 1828, the blade richly inscribed and engraved with the arms of the City of London and chased with scrolls, flowers and foliage. Estimate: £5,000-7,000

• An unusual Victorian ostrich cup and cover by Edward and John Barnard (London 1860, 25oz) the shaped tri-form base engraved Mukkunpoor, December, 1857, the cup supported on three ostrich feet terminating in plumage, the detachable cover surmounted with a cast ostrich finial. Estimate: £2,000-2,200

• A pair of George II ladles, engraved with the Spencer family crest, formerly in the collection of the Earls of Spencer, Althorp House, Northamptonshire (London 1759). Estimate: £2,000-2,200

• An oblong George IV tray by Paul Storr (London, 1820, 11oz) with chased floral and rocaille border. Estimate: £1,500-1,700