With coloured gemstones achieving high prices at Cheffins Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale, Fay Roach examines their allure
05/09/2024 Jewellery, Jewellery & Watches - Interiors
The combination of the current desire for coloured gemstones and the growing trend for pre-loved items, meant that coloured jewellery items attracted a lot of attention and achieved high prices at Cheffins recent Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale.
The ‘big three’ coloured gemstones include rubies, with their intense red colour, symbolising love and passion, emeralds, known for their vibrant green colour and sapphires - prized for their deep, celestial colour and timeless elegance. According to Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International Inc, these three gemstones are currently seeing the biggest price rises, largely thanks a lag in production in the fine and extra fine gem-quality categories (as a result of the pandemic). He states that sapphires, particularly blue sapphires, are the top seller in the Western market. Indeed, a blue sapphire and diamond dress ring sold for £3,000 against an estimate of £1500-£2500 in Cheffins August Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale, whilst a yellow sapphire dress ring achieved £10,000 (pictured below).
The desire for coloured gemstones, as well as the increasing prominence for sustainability, has led to a greater interest in pre-loved jewellery, whilst price increases have led people to seek alternative gemstones of similar colours. For example, red spinels, which can look like rubies, offer a great alternative to the precious gemstone - a pair of red spinel and diamond ear pendants which went under the hammer at Cheffins August sale achieved £900 against an estimate of £200-£400 (pictured below).
One of the most enticing aspects of coloured gemstones is their vast spectrum of hues, which can beautifully complement and bring personality to a look. The diversity of coloured gemstones can also influence the style and design of jewellery – designers can experiment with various cuts, encouraging a range of styles. For example, this pair of amethyst, diamond and paste ear pendants sold for £2,600 in the August jewellery sale:
Fay Roach, Associate at Cheffins, comments: “Coloured gemstones appeal for a myriad of reasons. People like the individuality and characteristics they offer, and some of the antique items we have auctioned are timeless classics, adding to their appeal. This, coupled with a real desire for pre-loved items, means that coloured jewellery is in strong demand and this is set to continue.”