Submitted by aarAdmin on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 00:00
Perhaps it had something to do with the approaching festive season, but jewellery items were a strong drawcard at Philips Auctions Monday December 8 jewellery auction.
Almost 150 bidders filled the auction room and, at the end of the night, 75 per cent of the items had been sold at more than 130 per cent above reserve.
The signature piece was a stunning art deco diamond double brooch/jabot pin, which sold for $29,730 (including buyers premium) on a catalogue estimate of $8000-$10,000.
Many other jewellery items achieved similar results. A classic example was a late entry diamond bracelet that changed hands for $35,400, but there were others of note – including a solitaire 3.35-carat diamond ring that brought $17,700.
A large pair of old cut diamond studs continued the strong trend, selling for $20,060, while more affordable items such as the large strand of Burmese jade beads (which sold for $3540 on a $1000-$2000 estimate) were keenly sought after.
A five-stone diamond ring was another good result, easily surpassing its $3500 upper estimate with a $4366 sale figure.
Sunday December 7 decorative arts auction was a solid result for vendors – the number of bidders and air of anticipation in the auction room adding to the competitiveness of the sale.
Right from lot 1, a 1996 red Harley Davidson DWG convertible motorcycle, bidders were on their toes.
The Harley changed hands for $10,030 and the new owner was last seen happily burbling off into the distance.
A large collection of Penfolds Bin 707 cabernet sauvignon raced out the door at $150 to $200 a bottle, and several mounted African animal heads and other taxidermy animals were all snapped up.
Porcelain proved popular with buyers – a 1760s first period Dr Wall Worcester covered vase changing hands for $3300 – while an oriental silk rug sold for $3776.
Rubery Bennett’s Last Gleams, Burragorang Valley was a good result for art owners thinking of selling – bringing $2478 on a $1000 lower estimate.
A nine-piece Panama, Tango and Barcelona setting by Dedon was another encouraging result, changing hands for $7906 on a $2000-$3000 estimate.
Philips Auctions is closing for the Christmas break and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year.
The office reopens on Monday January 19, 2015 and the first decorative arts sale will be on Sunday February 22.
