Gift-giving has always been an essential part of every culture, and it is used to mark special occasions and milestones of life, such as births, marriages, deaths, and achievements. While the norms around gift-giving vary from culture to culture around the world, as a rule being social creatures, gift-giving among humans works to strengthen social bonds while conveying messages and feelings like gratitude, endearment and congratulations. This is further reinforced by holidays such as Christmas, where gift-giving is an essential part of the holiday.
Jewellery has been a popular gift for hundreds of years, not only due to its general popularity as a way for people to adorn themselves, being often linked with love and affection, its value from being made of precious stones and metals but also its ability to be personalised and to hold meaning to people.
Many famous pieces of jewellery have been gifts, such as The Berlin Ruby Ring, a 4.59ct Burmese ruby and diamond ring created by Tiffany & Co. and was given by Irving Berlin, a composer and lyricist, to his wife on their 40th wedding anniversary, or ruby wedding anniversary. Or the David Webb Double Headed Frog Bracelet, having enamel, rubies and diamonds in platinum and gold, which was given to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor by her husband the Duke in 1964. These examples show how jewellery can be gifted for special occasions but also just for the joy of it, without needing a particular reason.
Highlights from the Fine Antique and Vintage Jewellery and Watches 6 auction follow.
A 14ct gold diamond solitaire ring, the central round brilliant cut diamond measuring approximately 2.75ct, Colour M, Clarity VVS1, flanked by two tapered baguette cur diamonds measuring an approximate total of 0.25ct, colour J, clarity VVS, ring size P, 3.6g
A 22ct gold curb link bracelet, having three sovereign coins in removable mounts, along with a heart padlock and safety chain, 55.9g
A 9ct gold curb link bracelet, having three sovereigns in removable mounts and a further eight charms including a key, a police hat and a 10 shillings note, 63.5g
A Krugerrand 1974 coin, within a 9ct gold mount, 36.2g