Our Fine Jewellery auction on Tuesday 17 March, offers an exquisite selection of fine and rare pieces, with exceptional jewels dating from the Regency period through to contemporary designs. Highlights include a diamond single stone ring; a cat's eye chrysoberyl and diamond cluster ring; a Regency pink topaz, diamond, half pearl and emerald matched suite of jewellery; and a natural pearl, seed pearl and diamond sautoir by Chaumet. Here, Head of Jewellery, Charlotte Peel tells us more about these pieces.
Sophisticated and understated, this elegant single-stone diamond ring makes a confident statement. At its centre is a 4.13 carat emerald cut diamond, featuring a well-proportioned cut and strong clarity (VVS2), with a top colour grade of E. The elongated silhouette of the emerald cut creates a flattering effect on the hand, making the fingers appear longer. To finish the look, the diamond is then cushioned between similarly cut diamond shoulders.
Renowned for showcasing clarity and colour, emerald cut diamonds are admired for their clean lines and distinctive “hall of mirrors” effect. This piece offers timeless design with a focus on quality and presence.
For those looking for a more unique and unusual piece, we have this cat's eye chrysoberyl and diamond cluster ring. The cat's eye chrysoberyl is a rare gem stone, which derives its name from its distinctive optical effect or 'chatoyancy', whereby a bright, narrow band of light moves across the surface of the stone, just like a cat's eye. These stones have a colour range from honey-yellow and greenish-yellow to brownish and golden, with the former two being the most prized.
This striking cat’s eye chrysoberyl exceeds 19 carats and is framed by an impressive surround of old European cut diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 6 carats.
Cat's eye chrysoberyls first gained popularity, after Queen Victoria's third son Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, gave to his beloved Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia a cat's eye chrysoberyl betrothal ring.
One of the earliest pieces in the sale is this matched cannetille jewellery suite, dating to the end of the Regency period. Comprising a necklace with detachable pendant and matching earrings, it offers a striking yet elegant combination of colour. Pink topaz and vibrant green emeralds are accented by pearls and diamonds, creating a beautifully balanced and glamorous look.
First popularised in the Georgian period, cannetille jewellery is highly intricate, featuring delicate coils of gold wire that create a rich, three-dimensional effect inspired by embroidery.
From around the 1920s, we have this beautiful natural pearl, seed pearl and diamond sautoir necklace by the luxury French jewellers, Chaumet. This formerly belonged to Ms Frénee Dadabhoy, the daughter of Sir Maneckji Dadabhoy KCSI, KCIE.
Sautoirs are long necklaces traditionally made from strands of pearls, featuring a tassel or removable pendant. These were very popular in the 1920s, in the Art Deco style, with the dropped hemlines and looser dresses of the period. Also, with the popularisation of backless dresses, the sautoirs offered versatility, being able to be worn down the back.
Sir Maneckji Dadabhoy KCSI KCIE (1865-1953), came from a much respected Parsi family. He was an industrialist and businessman as well as a shrewd lawyer and politician in India and sometime member of the Viceroy's Council. Travelling regularly to England from Bombay (Mumbai) during the 1920s and 1930s, he customarily disembarked at Marseille, France, before continuing to the family residence of Kingsnympton Hall on Kingston Hill.
It was on one such journey that this sautoir was believed to have been acquired by Sir Dadabhoy. It was thought to have been bought to commemorate the engagement of Frénee (Fay) (1895-1987). Although the marriage was not to last, Frénee retained the sautoir and wore it throughout her lifetime. Upon her death in 1987, it passed by descent through the family to the current family member.
Tuesday 17 March 2026, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.
Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts
VIEWING:
Further Information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | jsw@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com
Sign up for auction alerts and our monthly newsletter to receive expert analysis and insights from our specialists and keep up-to-date on forthcoming auctions, valuation days and previews.