Waddington's Jewelry Auction Offers a Glimpse Into the Past

18k White Gold Filigree Ring. Photo Credit: Waddington's. This week Waddington's auction house in Canada offers a glimpse of the past and a wonderful opportunity for new and established collectors to purchase a piece of history at a reasonable price. The listings for their September 11 sale include several antique pieces, in particular two pieces of mourning jewelry made in France. One is a silver oval miniature portrait brooch with an ornate flower border studded with marcasites. The border frames a fading picture of a woman and was most likely made in the early 20th century, when marcasite was widely used as a substitute for diamonds. The second is a 14k gold finger ring with a sealed compartment engraved with the ornate initials, 'IMO'. A multitude of similar 'In Memory Of' jewels were made in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to commemorate loved ones lost to illness or war. Often, locks of hair belonging to the deceased loved one were secreted away in the compartments, sometimes with a picture. The sale features several more antique pieces, including a 9k gold hinged bracelet with a central line of halved pearls and the above pictured filigree ring. Although the hinged bracelet has definitely seen some wear, it is a gorgeous antique jewel which likely dates to some time during the Victorian era. The filigree ring features 19k and 18k yellow and white gold, old mine-cut diamonds, and a large blue composite stone. This ring resembles those from the Belle Epoque era, though there is no date listed. It is a beautiful piece, though there do appear to be some surface scratches on the stone and the description mentions that 12 stones have been removed and one of the stones is an imitation diamond. Waddington's also offers several lots from Birks, including one of their signature sterling silver ring boxes, a solitaire diamond engagement ring by Toni Cavelti for Birks, and a gorgeous Ladies Challenger Wristwatch fashioned in platinum and set with 20 small single-cut diamonds. Birks is recognized as one of Canada's leading jewelry designers and manufacturers. The firm was established in 1879 by Henry Birks (1840-1928), an enterprising man whose dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and integrity ensured not only his own personal success, but the continuing success of his heirs. Mr. Birks has left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial spirit of Montreal and has lead the Canadian jewelry industry for over 130 years. Buying Birks, whether a new piece, a vintage piece, or an antique piece, is a sure way to own a slice of history. This generous collection of Birks jewels offered by Waddington's affords a new or beginning collector the opportunity of a lifetime. One piece in particular, a demure solitaire engagement ring designed by Toni Cavelti, offers a double-dose of good fortune for collectors. Toni Cavelti is an esteemed Canadian designer who fell in love with jewelry at 11 years of age. He began his internship at 15, and within four years had established himself as a talented goldsmith and designer. Mr. Cavelti has allowed his artistic style to change and mature over the years, learning and drawing inspiration from all the experiences and wonderful people he's met throughout his lifetime. His partnership with Birks began in 1999, when sold the firm to the esteemed firm and traded his set of tools for a consulting hat. He designed and consulted for Birks until 2008, and his designs are still available today. Now, in his retirement, Mr. Cavelti has taken up wire crafting, a hobby that requires very basic tools and materials which he can take in a small bag with him wherever he goes. "I spent fifty years of my life making jewellery. I made jewellery for famous people , but mainly for people such you and I. I enjoyed working with beautiful metals, gold and platinum and never lost my excitement creating a home for a rare, natural gemstone. I shared my knowledge with apprentices who taught me a few things in return. It was a good and creative part of my life." {cited} Who would not want to own a jewel endowed with so much history, excellence, and artistry? It can be yours in two days when you place your bid in Waddington's Jewellery & Watch Auction on September 11, 2013. For more information, we invite you to visit their website.