Sotheby’s London to auction jewellery collection of Michael Wellby

Sotheby’s London will be auctioning the personal jewellery collection of Michael Wellby, the renowned Mayfair silver dealer. The auction is slated on December 11th 2012.

Michael Wellby’s collection speaks of over 60 years of collectibles, including works of exquisite craftsmanship, ranging in date from the 16th to the 20th Century.

Alexandra Rhodes, a Senior International Jewellery Specialist at Sotheby’s commented: “Michael Wellby’s jewellery collection was a labour of love. He and his wife Joy shared a passion for antique jewellery and they would often return from their travels with a new prize. Michael’s unerring eye sought out the most beautiful and interesting objects. The intrinsic value of the gems was never the chief consideration, for him the charm of the design was the most important requirement. This sale will offer collectors the opportunity to acquire some wonderful masterpieces of the jeweller’s art.”

The single-owner sale will comprise 211 lots. Some of the highlights include a late 18th Century diamond corsage ornament, composed of a series of swags with ribbons and floral motifs, suspending three detachable tassels. Another highlight is a late 19th Century diamond tiara designed as two sheaves of wheat tied with ribbon bows and set throughout with diamonds. Other pieces include an Art-Deco, 1920s Tiffany & Co bracelet, a late 17th/early 18th Century Southern Italian gold and natural baroque pearl pendant, the reversible enamel, lapis lazuli and diamond bracelet (right), also from the 1920s. Many of the works in Michael Wellby’s collection were naturalistic, such as a gold, turquoise, enamel and diamond brooch/pendant designed by G.R. Sandoz, circa 1900. Also on sale will be a brooch/pendant by Georges Fouquet.

The Wellby Collection will be on view in Sotheby’s London galleries beginning October 8, 2012.