Jewellery auction features jeweller's estate

Items from the estate of jeweller Andree Elizabeth Shiel will be a major drawcard at Leonard Joel’s forthcoming jewellery auction from 6pm Monday June 6 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

Shiel undertook her jewellery training during the late 1970s and early 1980s at Sir John Cass College in London – at the time one of the premier London institutes for the study of art, architecture, jewellery and design.

On completion of her studies, Shiel established a range of contacts with jewellers and suppliers in Hatton Garden.

Working from a basement apartment in Chelsea, she soon built an extensive clientele, preferring to work on the basis of orders for bespoke designs.

Shiel was a talented jeweller with a rare ability to pick out distinctive shapes or designs at jewellery fairs and antique markets.

She also created her own designs with Classical Greek and Roman jewellery a main source of inspiration.

Among her collection is an art deco diamond and moonstone bracelet by Cartier, London and a Georgian diamond garnet and pendant brooch.

The auction contains an art deco jadeite and diamond pendant, a Victorian Etruscan revival micro mosaic brooch and a 2.80-carat solitaire diamond ring.

Other items include an Edwardian diamond and pearl necklace, a pink tourmaline and diamond bracelet estimated at $40,000-$60,000 and an impressive Colombian emerald and diamond ring with a catalogue estimate of $110,000-$160,000.