Submitted by aarAdmin on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 00:00
Jewellery lovers turned out in force for Philips Auctions June auction and hands quickly went to wallets for a diamond floral pendant on a chain – bought by the successful bidder for $45,500.
Many other items were almost as impressive, with a beautiful Cartier “Margot” necklace and bracelet suite changing hands for $11,200 and a solitaire diamond ring for $10,000.
Even an emerald and diamond dress ring attracted plenty of attention – eventually selling above the catalogue estimate for a healthy $4500.
Decorative arts were equally in demand with Philips Auctions recording a 90 per cent clearance rate for a wide range of items.
Typical was a large early to mid-20th century elephant’s tusk, which sold for $4300, while a French marble clock changed hands for $3300.
Every piece of sterling silver in the auction sold, with two cutlery services – a Christofle and a Danish – respectively reaching $4700 and $2800.
Other notable silver items included a 1716 Britannia silver candlestick, which sold for $3300 on a $300-$500 estimate, and a pair of George II sterling silver candlesticks that, at $6100, was more than double the catalogue estimate.
A much sought after 1702 Queen Anne Britannia silver sifter also had auction goers clamouring – its $4100 price more than doubling the catalogue estimate of $1000-$2000.
A Victorian sterling silver service was equally impressive, attracting an exciting $9300 bid on a $3500-$4500 estimate.
Other sections of Philips Auctions sale fared equally well, with the catalogue cover picture item – a rare 1930-31 Clarice Cliff ‘Applique Palermo’ jug (estimate $700-$900) – changing hands for $1650.
Chandeliers were another popular item with several selling at an average $3000-$4000.
Furniture also appears to be increasing in popularity – well-known Australian interior designer Geraldine Cooper benefitting from the surge as all the items from her now closed Hawthorn business were snapped up by auction goers.
Biedermeier style furniture items were another drawcard, a pair of birch bedside tables bringing $1500 on a $600-$800 estimate and round birch lamp tables ($100-$200 estimate) $1300.
At the end of the sale, only four pieces of furniture failed to find quality buyers.
Particularly intriguing Philips Auctions next sale is a 1910 Tiffany style hanging lamp by Duffner and Kimberly from an American estate to join several antique clocks and early American colonial pine furniture.
