AUCOR'S year-end jewellery auction saw several satisfied bidders walk away with good jewellery and watches.

AUCOR'S year-end jewellery auction saw several satisfied bidders walk away with good jewellery and watches.

Managing director Shannon Winterstein says the auction was far from the staid affair typical of auctions of this nature and was characterised by entertaining banter between retail buyers and dealers.

"There was a wide range of stock on auction, with a Swatch that sold for R250 compared to strong bidding for the likes of Panerai, Breitling and Rolex watches going for between R30000 and R40000."

Winterstein says diamonds attracted excitable bidding, with one of the most notable items, an 18-carat white gold tennis necklace set with 12,89carats of round diamonds selling for R75000. A magnificent 18-carat white gold ring with a 5,135-carat cushion cut diamond surrounded by 1,34carats of round diamonds fetched R95000 and a certified loose diamond weighing 2,24carats thatwent for R62500.

There were a number of bargain buys that included a pair of white and yellow gold diamond stud earrings each set with a 0,35-carat stone that went for R3500, while an 18-carat eternity ring set with seven rubies and 12 diamonds was knocked down for R2500. Another pair of diamond stud earrings totalling 2,43carats sold for R7000. Lower down the price range was R500 for a Thomas Sabo flower design ring.

Winterstein says that increasingly successful jewellery auctions are realising clear benefits for both buyers and sellers, and strong attendance and bidding is encouraging. "We're seeing a growing market and interest all round, confirming that our decision last year to expand auctions of this nature was right on target."