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Art deco jewellery has seen increased interest due to the influence of period films and TV shows like Downton Abbey, according to Bonhams.
The auction house said the stars of the show have become vintage style icons with customers trying to emulate the style of the characters.
Bonham’s, which claims to handle and sell more art deco pieces than any other auction house in the world, said Downton’s global success had opened up new markets – especially in the Far East and Asia where jewellery has soared in value.
As a result, investors and collectors are increasingly seeking out original art deco jewellery by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Chaumet and Bulgari among others, and a number of record sales have been made.
Jean Ghika, head of jewellery in the UK and Europe at Bonhams, said: “The Downton series has highlighted the art deco style and jewellery is one element that viewers can see on screen and then incorporate into their own look.
“When it comes to Downton Abbey, Lady Mary and Lady Edith are the obvious on-screen style advocates. They provide a wonderful insight into how the beautiful pieces from the art deco era were worn, for example Sautoir necklaces, clip brooches and hair ornaments.”
Bonhams recently sold a Cartier ruby and diamond necklace, circa 1925, to a private collector in Hong Kong for a record sum of nearly £390,000 having failed to make its estimate when it was last offered for sale by another auction house in 1994.
It also recently sold a natural pearl ring, circa 1920, for £72,100 – more than 12 times its pre-sale estimate of £4,000-£6,000.
