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A pair of dazzling diamond rings, each boasting a rare 10-carat stone, are among the items set to sparkle at Martel Maides Auctions' November sale.
The extraordinary jewels, estimated to fetch between £60,000 and £120,000, are the largest and most valuable diamonds ever discovered locally by the auction house.
Meanwhile, a collection of important oil paintings, once gracing the walls of the late businessman and philanthropist John 'CJ' Burley's Guernsey home, Cedar Hill, will also be offered.
The auction highlight from Mr Burley's collection is said to be a trio of works by renowned British artist Edward Seago, including a wintry Trafalgar Square scene and two equestrian paintings.
One of the rings up for auction features a 10.03-carat natural diamond set in 18ct white gold, while the other showcases a stunning 10.19-carat natural yellow diamond.
Both rings are expected to captivate bidders with their size, quality, and rarity, having already caught the eye of Martel-Maides Auction’s Jewellery Consultant, Isabel Murtough.
“I've had the pleasure of assessing jewellery for nearly 20 years, and it's not every day something of this magnitude lands on my desk," she said.
Pictured: If the gigantic rings live up to their massive price tags, they could net around £200,000 in total!
“The first ring to be presented to me boasted an enormous solitaire diamond. It's rare to find such a large stone certified at over 10 carats. Next to grace my loupe was an outstanding natural fancy yellow diamond boasting an eye watering 10.19 carats.
“It’s uncommon to find a stone of this size that shows such depth of colour without treatment. They are two unique pieces of jewellery destined to be treasured by their next owners.”
The Seago paintings being auctioned reflect Mr Burley's passion for art and horse racing.
They're estimated to fetch up to £25,000 each with the auction house believing these works, along with the exceptional diamond rings, will attract significant interest from both local and international collectors.
The signed paintings include an atmospheric wintry view of London’s Trafalgar Square (£15,000-£25,000) and two equestrian subjects, ‘Herringbone and other Mares in a Paddock’ (£8,000-£12,000) and ‘The Bicester Hunt’ (£10,000-£15,000).
All of these graced the walls of Cedar Hill, Mount Durand, the former home of the late Mr Burley, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who made Guernsey his home.
Mr Burley, known as CJ, passed away at the age of 78 in 2023.
Pictured: The late John 'CJ' Burley and some of the artworks that make up his collection of Seago artworks.
Guy Cooper, Martel-Maides Auction’s paintings specialist and auctioneer, said: “Among the pantheon of post-war British artists, Edward Brian Seago ranks among the most highly regarded. His soft and atmospheric Post-Impressionist style has won many admirers including several members of the royal family and galleries across the UK.
“His work has been offered by eminent art dealers such as Colnaghi, Richard Green, Marlborough and Portland Galleries among others. To quote King Charles III, ‘Seago's gifts will long be remembered, valued and loved. His work was in the best tradition of that particularly English school of landscape artists, with which few others can compare’.”
The auctions will take place on 20 and 21 November at Martel Maides Auctions in Guernsey. This prestigious auction house is renowned for its expertise in fine art, antiques, and jewelry.
Both the diamond rings and the Seago paintings represent rare opportunities for collectors. Diamond rings of this size and quality are seldom seen on the market, and Seago's work is highly sought-after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
In a statement, Martel Maides Auctions said: “These sought after artworks reflect Mr Burley’s life, passions and informed taste. He owned racehorses for 40 years with trainers such as Sir Henry Cecil. He was also a much-respected steward who presided over race meetings in Guernsey and Jersey.
“We have high hopes for these important paintings. In 2023 “A lost Constable” doubled its top estimate to sell for £200,000 at MMA. That success continues to attract significant works of art and jewellery from private collections on the island.”
On the Diamond rings being auctioned, the auctioneers said: “These exquisite rings are spectacular and scarce thanks to the sheer size of their diamonds. You rarely come across 10 carat stones. Diamonds of this size are sought after for engagement rings. Receiving one of these jewels on Christmas morning would be very special indeed, the ultimate gift. They’re the largest, rarest and most valuable diamonds we have ever uncovered in Guernsey.
“In 2021, our saleroom achieved £26,000 for a platinum and diamond ring with a 5.21 carat central stone. Any diamond over 5 carats is significant but a stone over 10 carats is truly remarkable, as in the case of both the rings being offered.”
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