Auction hunting for jewellery is becoming popular again. The search for value is paramount – now, more than ever, so the economic accessibility that an auction offers is a huge consideration for those on the jewellery hunt.
There are also those searching for something unusual – and in an age of increasing sameness on the high street, this is something that will always resonate with auction shoppers looking for a piece of history and obvious quality of craftsmanship. O’Reilly’s Auction Rooms in Dublin offer their fully photographed catalogue online and interact with the public via Facebook.
In advance of each monthly auction, the public can research online before heading in to viewings at their Francis St showroom.
Of course, there will always be a demand for gold and diamonds, but in what form are they currently most popular when it comes to auction?
Diamond Rings
Single-stone rings, also known as solitaires, will always continue to sell. As an engagement ring is often the first big piece of jewellery a young couple will buy, they are always keen for excellent value, so buying at auction can offer up bargains at one-third of the standard retail price.
Solitaire diamonds in all shapes and sizes continue to prove popular, but traditional three-stone rings are also making a comeback with young brides-to-be. As commodities, diamonds hold their cost well, and buying or selling at auction is a great way to gauge true value. O’Reilly’s has a superb range of diamond rings, starting from €500, and often certified. Indeed, O’Reilly’s is one of the only auction houses in Ireland to have two independent gemmologists on site, appraising their gemstones before they are put up for sale.
Gold bracelets
Although the price of gold has dipped somewhat, it is still commanding a strong figure. If there are pieces hiding at the back of drawers and jewellery boxes, now is a great time to consider selling. Curb link bracelets, Victorian gold bangles and charm bracelets are still very popular with buyers, especially when clasps and safety chains remain intact.
Particularly sought-after pieces include antique rose gold. In general, rose gold is making a big comeback, and, because of this, awareness around the metal has increased. Antique rose gold has a much softer tone and is less red than the modern alloy, so buyers tend to value it highly.
Brooches
Brooches are now back on the radar after gaining some prominence thanks to the Royal Family (one Dublin jeweller revealed how quickly demand and interest rose after Queen Elizabeth II visited Ireland). Diamond-studded antiques sell well and tie pins and hunting pins remain ever popular, particularly those with intricate enamel work.
Stemming from the Edwardian period, these originals still command high prices. While there are many reproductions, they simply don’t have the same value as their original counterparts.
Genuine pieces offer intrinsic historical value, hence the price charged, but they are more often bought for collection rather than to wear – explaining why a repro just doesn’t do as well at auction.
• O’Reilly’s will hold two auctions before Christmas on 27 November and 11 December. Viewings begin the Sunday before each. For more information, visit www.oreillysfineart.com PICTURES
1: A diamond and sapphire cluster ring mounted in 18ct white gold.
2: An antique diamond-set crescent brooch mounted in gold.
3: Diamond and ruby cluster ring mounted in 18ct white gold. CL
Auction hunting for jewellery is becoming popular again. The search for value is paramount – now, more than ever, so the economic accessibility that an auction offers is a huge consideration for those on the jewellery hunt.
There are also those searching for something unusual – and in an age of increasing sameness on the high street, this is something that will always resonate with auction shoppers looking for a piece of history and obvious quality of craftsmanship. O’Reilly’s Auction Rooms in Dublin offer their fully photographed catalogue online and interact with the public via Facebook.
In advance of each monthly auction, the public can research online before heading in to viewings at their Francis St showroom.
Of course, there will always be a demand for gold and diamonds, but in what form are they currently most popular when it comes to auction?
Diamond Rings
Single-stone rings, also known as solitaires, will always continue to sell. As an engagement ring is often the first big piece of jewellery a young couple will buy, they are always keen for excellent value, so buying at auction can offer up bargains at one-third of the standard retail price.
Solitaire diamonds in all shapes and sizes continue to prove popular, but traditional three-stone rings are also making a comeback with young brides-to-be. As commodities, diamonds hold their cost well, and buying or selling at auction is a great way to gauge true value. O’Reilly’s has a superb range of diamond rings, starting from €500, and often certified. Indeed, O’Reilly’s is one of the only auction houses in Ireland to have two independent gemmologists on site, appraising their gemstones before they are put up for sale.
Gold bracelets
Although the price of gold has dipped somewhat, it is still commanding a strong figure. If there are pieces hiding at the back of drawers and jewellery boxes, now is a great time to consider selling. Curb link bracelets, Victorian gold bangles and charm bracelets are still very popular with buyers, especially when clasps and safety chains remain intact.
Particularly sought-after pieces include antique rose gold. In general, rose gold is making a big comeback, and, because of this, awareness around the metal has increased. Antique rose gold has a much softer tone and is less red than the modern alloy, so buyers tend to value it highly.
Brooches
Brooches are now back on the radar after gaining some prominence thanks to the Royal Family (one Dublin jeweller revealed how quickly demand and interest rose after Queen Elizabeth II visited Ireland). Diamond-studded antiques sell well and tie pins and hunting pins remain ever popular, particularly those with intricate enamel work.
Stemming from the Edwardian period, these originals still command high prices. While there are many reproductions, they simply don’t have the same value as their original counterparts.
Genuine pieces offer intrinsic historical value, hence the price charged, but they are more often bought for collection rather than to wear – explaining why a repro just doesn’t do as well at auction.
• O’Reilly’s will hold two auctions before Christmas on 27 November and 11 December. Viewings begin the Sunday before each. For more information, visit www.oreillysfineart.com PICTURES
1: A diamond and sapphire cluster ring mounted in 18ct white gold.
2: An antique diamond-set crescent brooch mounted in gold.
3: Diamond and ruby cluster ring mounted in 18ct white gold. CL
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