What is your favourite piece in the upcoming auction?

It’s really hard to pick just one! Lot 18 is the most beautifully cut old diamond single stone ring, weighing just over 5 carats, with incredible fire. And I love the Cartier Kookaburra brooch (Lot 186), set with amethyst and turquoise, because it is just charming.

Why and when did you start in the business?

I was working for a private art collector, where we received all the big jewellery auction catalogues and I was just mesmerised by the incredible jewels. When I got a chance to assist in the valuation of her jewellery collection, I realised that this was what I wanted to do, so I moved to New York and got my gemmological degree, before moving to London and starting as a trainee specialist.

What was the best piece and then your favourite thing you have ever sold?

The best piece was probably a 10.51ct unheated Burmese ruby, which made 10 times its pre-auction estimate. Picking a favourite is much harder, I have a favourite in every sale! If I had to choose, I would say that one of my top pieces was a Bulgari Serpenti bracelet watch, dating to circa 1965, which we sold in June 2024.

What do you most enjoy about your role as an auctioneer/cataloguer/valuer?

I love that you never know what you might see, and there is the opportunity to learn something new with every auction.

What job would you like to do if you weren’t in the auction world?

Probably something with food. I love to entertain and cook for friends and family.

Who is your favourite jewellery designer?

Impossible to narrow it down to one, but I love early 20^th century Cartier. Out of the contemporary jewellers, I love the designs of Viren Baghat and Hemmerle.

What is your favourite gemstone and why?

Emeralds. I have always loved the colour green, and the hypnotic green of a good Colombian emerald is simply unmatched.

Do you have any tips for looking after jewellery?

Keep everything in a separate pouch or compartment in your jewellery box, so the stones don’t rub against each other. Get your pearls restrung regularly and clean pieces carefully, so the stones can sparkle.

How do you spot a fake or low quality jewellery?

Most jewellery dealers or specialists will look at the back of a piece of jewellery straight away. That’s where you can spot how much care has been taken with the setting of the stones and it’s the easiest way of assessing the quality. Spotting fakes can be difficult, so the only thing that will help there is experience. The more jewellery you handle the more easily you can sense if something isn’t quite right.

What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a piece of jewellery?

Buy what you love, not for investment. If you follow your heart and buy something that speaks to you, you are more likely to wear it. Try to see the pieces in person and try them on, if you can’t, ask for extra images and always ask for a condition report.

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Auction Details

Thursday 12 June, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING IN LONDON
Tuesday 3 June: 10am–4pm
Wednesday 4 June: 10am–4pm

VIEWING IN NEWBURY
Sunday 8 June: 10am-3pm
Monday 9 June: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 10 June: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 11 June: 10am-4pm

FURTHER INFORMATION:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | jsw@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com