AN EYE-CATCHING piece of jewellery was the top item when Trevanion Auction House held its March sale.

The stunning early 20th century diamond drop pendant brooch sold for £8,000 when the auction house, owned by TV star Christina Trevanion, held its monthly auction in Station Road, Whitchurch, on Wednesday (March 22).

The brooch was sold by jewellery and silver valuer, Amelia Tomkinson, who spoke about its uniqueness.

Amelia said: "This enchanting brooch featured a central impressive pear-cut diamond which was estimated at 2.25 carats.

"The pear cut dates to the mid 15th century and was created by Lodewyk Van Bercken, the inventor of the scaif diamond polishing wheel.

"It’s an unusual and much sought-after cut which requires a large diamond, and produces beautiful reflections of light."

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Amelia joined Trevanion Auctioneers in February this year and brings a wealth of experience having worked in the jewellery industry and has completed her Fellowship of the Gemmological Association.

Managing partner Christina was pleased with her success.

She said: "We are delighted to welcome Amelia to the team, and it’s fantastic to see the success of the jewellery and silver in her first sale."

Other standout pieces included a small Chinese and enamel box which was sold for £5,000 and a buyer's premium to a Beijing-based bidder following a fierce bidding battle between online and telephone bidders.

Asian specialist Ashley Jones said: "This was charming piece dating from the 19th century.

"It is beautifully decorated with enamelled scenes of court figures.

"Unsurprisingly it attracted interest from buyers around the world."

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Furniture also proved to be popular with a George III oak dresser selling for £2,600 alongside a buyer's premium.

Furniture specialist Ian Woodward said: "Good Georgian pieces in original condition are always sought after and this piece was beautifully detailed, with chevron stringing and 'V' moulded cabriole legs. 

"We’ve also seen a resurgence in demand for pine furniture. 

"A Victorian scumbled linen press and a Scandinavian painted kitchen cupboard were among several pine pieces which sold above their estimates."

Artwork based on a Dutch street scene and attributed to the artist, William Koekkoek had art buyers excited as it sold for £1,800 and will be heading to the Netherlands

Art valuer Simon Grover said: "The new Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has prompted a lot of interest in Dutch works, this was a beautifully realised street scene with a real sense of place."

Trevanion Auctioneers are currently accepting entries for their next auction on Wednesday, April 26.

For more information contact Christina Trevanion on 01948 800202 for further information.