Part of the grandmother's jewellery collection. (Elmwoods Auctions via SWNS)
By Nathan Pynn
A grandmother’s jewelry collection which lay hidden in a dusty attic for decades has sold for more than $671,000.
The remarkable hoard was uncovered during a house clearance in Malvern, Worcestershire, earlier this year.
The collection went under the hammer and it smashed expectations when it sold for $679,815 in London on Oct. 21.
Auctioneers had valued the collection at around $201,300, but fierce bidding sent the final total soaring to more than three times the pre-sale estimate.
(Elmwoods Auctions via SWNS)
The jewelry had been built up over generations by the same family, with pieces dating from the 19th century through modern times.
It had originally belonged to the current owner’s grandmother, who amassed much of the collection during her lifetime.
Later generations added inherited pieces before the treasure trove was eventually stored away in the attic and forgotten about.
Among the finds were antique Art Deco jewels, diamond pieces, signed Cartier jewelry and a host of Victorian-era brooches.
Vintage brooches from the collection. (Elmwoods Auctions via SWNS)
Experts said the collection offered a rare glimpse at more than 200 years of jewelry history preserved together, rather than being broken up through inheritance and sales over the years.
Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood’s Auctions, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the spectacular result achieved by this remarkable collection, which realized over $670,000.
“The response from buyers was exceptional and far exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the enduring appeal of fine antique and Art Deco jewelry.
“To have uncovered such a wonderful collection, hidden away for decades, and to see it achieve this outstanding result is incredibly rewarding.”
(Elmwoods Auctions via SWNS)
He added that the mix of rare signed pieces, diamond jewelry and unusual Victorian brooches attracted strong interest from collectors around the world.
Auctioneers said discoveries on this scale are rare, particularly when so many items from different generations remain together.
Kendrick added: “The response from buyers was exceptional and far exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the enduring appeal of fine antique and Art Deco jewelry.
“From the signed Cartier jewels and magnificent diamond pieces to the charming Victorian animal brooches, the collection offered something truly special for collectors.
“It has been a privilege to bring these jewels back into the spotlight and to see a collection so rich in family history capture the imagination of buyers around the world.”