Gold Shines at Latest Timeless Treasures Sale
13th August 2026
There was plenty of sparkle at the Mendip Auction Rooms for Killens’ latest Silver, Jewellery & Watches Sale on 11th August, with strong bidding across the sale producing a strong total hammer price.
Gold was very much to the fore, with buyers competing strongly for both wearable pieces and heavier gold jewellery. Leading the sale were two Italian 9ct gold curb-link necklaces, with a substantial combined weight of 89.3g, which attracted keen bidding before selling for £2,630.
Other gold jewellery also performed particularly well. A 9ct gold twist bracelet, weighing just over 60g, made £1,780, while a graduated yellow metal rope-chain necklace, testing at approximately 14ct gold, reached £1,750. A matching 14ct gold double-loop necklace and bracelet followed closely behind at £1,720.
There was also considerable interest in period and more decorative jewellery. A particularly attractive Victorian amethyst and seed pearl pendant and chain, the pendant centred by an impressive amethyst estimated at 36 carats and mounted in 15ct gold, sold for £1,350. A large collection of assorted amber beads also caught bidders' attention, eventually reaching £1,300.
SILVER REMAINS IN DEMAND
The silver section demonstrated that good-quality traditional silver continues to find a ready market.
A substantial collection of matched Georgian and Victorian silver flatware, including a number of 19th-century Dublin pieces, was one of the highlights of the entire sale, selling for £2,200.
An impressive four-piece Art Deco silver tea and coffee service by Henry Clifford Davis of Birmingham, dating from 1926, achieved £1,800, while a canteen of Canadian Northumbria sterling silver cutlery sold for £1,600.
Quality and provenance were also rewarded. An Asprey & Garrard silver christening set, dating from 2000 and presented in its original fitted box, attracted strong competition to sell for £1,500.
Earlier silver performed well too. A handsome pair of John Pollock silver sauce boats, hallmarked London 1741 and standing on ornate lion-head and paw supports, sold for £1,350, while a pair of early 19th-century silver salvers by John Mewburn, London 1817, also realised £1,350.
TIME WELL SPENT
Watches and pocket watches provided another strong element of the sale.
Leading this section was a Victorian 18ct gold open-face pocket watch, hallmarked Chester 1893 and with a fusee lever movement by Lowe & Sons of Chester. The watch sold for an impressive £1,820.
Another 18ct gold open-face pocket watch, complete with a fitted Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst box, realised £1,450.
Among the wristwatches, a classic 1950s Rolex Oysterdate Precision, model 6494, retained its original box and Rolex bracelet. It attracted considerable interest before selling for £1,500.
The results continue to demonstrate the depth of demand for precious metals, period jewellery and good-quality watches. While the intrinsic value of gold and silver provides an important foundation to the market, age, craftsmanship, maker and design can all add considerably to an item's appeal at auction.
The sale was another encouraging demonstration of the strength of the specialist auction market.
Killens are now inviting entries for forthcoming Silver, Jewellery & Watches sales. Free valuations are available at the Mendip Auction Rooms, where jewellery, watches, silver and other items can be brought in for appraisal by the specialist team.
