Antique auction jewellery a Christmas bargain

Looking for jewellery with a difference to give that special person for Christmas but unable to afford the staggering asking price that many such pieces seem to generate.

Then head to Leonard Joel’s from 6.30 Wednesday December 5 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra where you will be able to choose from a huge auction range in the Kellies Antiques collection – most with estimates of only a few hundred dollars.

From the opening lot – a pair of Victorian ram’s head drop earrings in 18-carat gold – the  offerings are unusual.

A Victorian snake ring with five graduated old European cut diamonds (lot 4)  is another inexpensive attraction with a catalogue estimate of $500-$700.

Even the more expensive rings are still affordable, an art deco diamond and emerald platinum ring (lot 76) estimated at $3000-$5000, and three equally impressive specimens each carrying $2000-$3000 estimates – a Victorian Ceylon blue sapphire and diamond cluster 18-carat gold ring from 1870 (lot 53), a Victorian style half hoop sapphires and diamonds 18-carat gold version (lot 37) and an art deco marquise diamond and sapphire in 18-carat white gold (lot 55).

Unusual is the double heart Mizpah nine-carat gold brooch (lot 9) and a Victorian Mizpah sterling silver brooch hallmarked Birmingham 1897, while a mother of pearl and sterling silver lorgnette circa 1900 (lot 13) is bound to attract plenty of attention.

A diamond and moonstone flower pendant in 18-carat white gold is eye-catching, while a mourning miniature ring set with seed pearls in gold (lot 2) is a gentle reminder of what life was like in Victorian times.

A 23-carat gold enamelled book locket should please anyone who wears it, while a Pietra Dura demi parure (lot 98) includes a brooch and matching earrings.