Property of a Lady
Emerald and diamond ring, circa 1985
Lot Closed
May 30, 03:16 PM GMT
Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Centering a step-cut emerald weighing 7.13 carats, within a surround of step-cut and trapezoid diamonds, to triangular diamond shoulders, size C½,sizing pips, signed Hennell
Accompanied by SSEF report no.137370, dated 10th April 2024, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with a minor amount of oil in fissures.
Accompanied by a gemmological report.
Accompanied by a facsimile letter from Hennell for £85,000.
Accompanied by a facsimile insurance valuation from Hennell.
Hennell is commonly associated with silver, a connection rooted in its inception by silversmith David Hennell in 1736. Remaining a family-operated business until its sale in ✨1887, Hennell established itself as one of London’s premie🍸r silversmiths. Its clientele included esteemed figures such as Queen Victoria and George V, with notable commissions like Admiral Lord Nelson’s 1799 silver tea service for HMS Victory, auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2014.
Expanding its buisness in the late 18th century, Hennell ventured into jewellery and emerged as a prominent pearl dealer with ties to India and the British Raj. However, its pinnacle came in the 1920s and 30s under designer Charles Bruno, who crafted exquisite Art Deco pieces rivaling the finest from French houses. Archive examinations reveal meticulous sketches detailing metal weights, stone quantities, client details, and costs—a rarity in the industry. Consequently, Hennell's jewels seldom appear at auction, sparking intense compet൲ition when they do.