A FINE quality ruby and diamond ring sold for £8,400 at Tamlyns’ Antiques auction in Bridgwater on Wednesday, August 30. The central stone was a diamond of excellent quality and clarity, flanked by two large bright rubies; the jewellery section was particularly strong in this sale with many items far exceeding their estimates.

A sapphire ring with diamond chip surround sold for £2,500; a diamond and sapphire target brooch, £2,400; a long strand of butterscotch amber beads, £700, and a single strand of pearls, £900.

A lovely 18th Century 22ct gold pair cased watch by Samuel Stretch, Birmingham made £3,200; a pair of George III silver chambersticks with their original snuffers sold for £850; a pair of 18th Century Continental silver candlesticks, £1,200; a pair of George II cast silver candlesticks, £1,300, and a pair of George III silver sauce boats in fine condition, £850.

Amongst the pictures was an interesting pastel portrait of a young child; unsigned it had a label verso which had been handwritten in the early 19th Century giving the history of the picture and attributing the portrait to French artist Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun. Although having a tear in the paper which did extend into the child’s hair, there was considerable interest, eventually selling for £2,300.

The furniture included a large console table with a shaped marble top which would have looked at home in a grand entrance - this sold for £600. A large collection of 19th Century Chinese export blue and white plates totalled £1,100 and a collection of Grand tour plaster cameos in original ‘book’, £420.

The next antiques sale will be on October 4 and entries are already being accepted. Contact Tamlyns on 01278-445251 for further information.

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