Duels for Jewels as Bids Soar over Estimates...
20th January 2023
Lawrences’ Jewellery auction on January 19th comprised over 400 lots and there was a remarkable show of strong bidding from start to finish. The high prices were distributed throughout the sale and eager demand from online bidders ensured that the mood remained buoyant.
Early highlights included £5,250 for a gentleman's 18ct gold Calatrava wristwatch by Patek Philippe; £4,875 for an 18ct gold curb link necklace; £4,750 for an Edwardian diamond and sapphire bracelet; and £8,750 for a sapphire and diamond ring.
A run of exceptional prices towards the end of the sale included £7,500 for a Belle Epoque emerald and diamond brooch; £8,125 for a Victorian diamond necklace formed with graduated foliate drops, each set with circular old-cut diamonds; £8,750 for an Art Nouveau moonstone and diamond pendant; £9,375 for a sapphire and diamond cluster ring; and £9,375 for a Victorian diamond and pearl necklace.
The sale's highest prices were saved for the last two lots: an enamel and gem set pendant by Carlo Giuliano and a gem set and enamel bracelet by Carlo & Arthur Giuliano. Carlo Giuliano (c.1831-1895) moved to London from Italy in about 1860 and set up in business with Alessandro Castellani in Frith Street in Soho. By 1874 his two sons, Carlo Joseph and Arthur Alphonse, had joined him in the business and they opened a new shop at 115 Piccadilly. Giuliano’s jewellery was inspired by the Renaissance and ancient Egypt, usually decorated with polychrome enamels and coloured gemstones. Both pieces doubled their top estimate to make a combined total of £28,125.
