Undiscovered
treasures
Francesca Valentini F.G.A. is a jewellery
specialist working at Christie’s London
Headquarters. She works as part of a team
of international jewellery specialists who
have a depth of experience and a close
association with the global market. Her day
involves meeting with prospective vendors
and looking at a wide range of jewellery
which could be anything from a Renaissance devotional jewel,
to a modern engagement ring - and then potentially deciding
the most appropriate sale venue.
“During my time as a jewellery specialist I have encountered
some fascinating undiscovered treasures from valuation
days, where everybody is welcome and able to have a free
and confidential valuation. When I started at Christie’s I
met a gentleman with a necklace that had belonged to his
grandmother and had been sitting in a drawer. He explained
that it was unusual and something that was difficult to wear and
so had always been neglected.
“The piece was made up of five circular plaques, each
decorated with coloured cloisonné enamel. The discovery that
each gold frame had a small plaque with the makers mark
AF attributed the piece to the artist jeweller Alexis Falize.
Working in 19th century Paris, the Falize firm was renowned for
such work. We put the necklace into sale with an estimate of
£25,000 - 30,000 and it sold for £95,000. It was a thrilling result
and a perfect example of fabulous but esoteric jewellery.”
For Francesca one of the most fascinating aspects of her job
is exploring jewellery boxes, which can hold a life story of
possibility and po FV