Anyone Know About Jewellery? Is This 18C Gold?

[barry1010]

This bangle was made in Denmark and does not have a British hallmark. My wife wants it but I need to know if it's gold so I have an idea how much to bid up to.
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27468/lot/160/vivianna-torun-for-georg-jensen-bangle/

[calmck]

According to google her bracelets are 18 carat gold or sterling silver.
A similar bracelet but with diamonds in it is priced at €4000 plus

[237SJ]

I presume the 750 marking on it is 18ct gold.

[webbo3]

A piece of jewelry with an etching that reads “18k” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75 percent gold,

[barry1010]

That's great, thanks. I was sure it was but the condition report refers to it as 'yellow metal' and I assume that is because it does not have British hallmarks.

My follow up question is - if our bid is successful, should we get it hallmarked or leave as is?

[237SJ]

I wouldn't bother.

[Barmaid]

I might be inclined to look on the saleroom.com to see what other pieces are going for. I'd be less worried about whether it is gold or not. Georg Jenson is a very good and collectable maker - although this was clearly a later design by Vivianne Torun.

Gold will go for scrap value unless it is a good piece by a sought after maker.

I admit I have little experience of buying gold - I normally buy Georgian silver. A particular piece by a bog standard maker might make £200 - but if it is made by someone like Paul Storr, you can add a nought. But the scrap value is the same.

[barry1010]

Thanks, barmaid, useful to know

[Buenchico]

>>> the condition report refers to it as 'yellow metal' and I assume that is because it does not have British hallmarks

Yup! 'White metal' and 'yellow metal', respectively, are the terms used by auctioneers when they're reasonably certain that items are gold or silver but they can't offer them for sale as such, due to the absence of British hallmarks.

Whatever you decide to bid, remember that (if successful) you'll actually have to pay 33% more than your bid, as there's a buyer's premium of 27.5% to be paid, with VAT then added to that premium.

[rowanwitch]

If it is just the design she likes it might cheaper to get it copied by a local goldsmith.

[Khandro]

Don't !

[Buenchico]

This similar bangle was sold at auction, nearly 10 years ago, for 11,000 Danish Kroner (= £1,222 at the current exchange rate), with a hammer fee and buyer's premium to be added onto that:
https://www.lauritz.com/en/auction/torun-buelow-huebe-for-georg-jensen-moebius-gold-bangle/i2660562/

[barry1010]

rowan, three years ago we went to three jewellery makers for quotes for a twisted bangle in 9ct gold aand the quotes were all well over £1300.
This bangle is currently worth £900 as scrap.

[barry1010]

Buenchico, we have bought pieces from Bonham's before so are well aware of the extra costs, but thanks for the warning, I'm sure some get caught out.

Khandro, don't what? Don't get it hallmarked?