Chrysoberyl brooch , probably Portuguese, second ahalf of the 18th century. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a floral and foliate spray tied with a ribbon, set with foil backed cushion-, pear-shaped, oval and mixed-cut chrysoberyl, later brooch fitting, accompanied by original shaped tooled leather case. Est. 5,500—6,500 GBP. Lot Sold 20,000 GBP

Tourmaline, enamel and diamond brooch, J.E.Caldwell & CO., 1920s. photo Sotheby's

Of annular open work design, centring on a stylised violet the petals of cabochon calibré-cut tourmaline, the stem decorated with green enamel and marquise-shaped diamond leaves, within a black enamelled lattice and frame millegrain-set with circular-cut diamonds, signed J.E.C & CO., fitted case J.E.Caldwell & Co, Philadelphia. Est. 4,000—6,000 GBP. Lot Sold 13,750 GBP

NOTE: James Emmott Caldwell, founded the firm in Philadelphia in 1839, it became known as J.E. Caldwell & Co. in 1868. It was well respected and known for its fine workmanship and exquisite examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces. The company continued to produce well made jewels that followed the trends and styles of the 20th Century. J.E. Caldwell & Co. finally closed its doors in 2009.

Demantoid garnet and diamond brooch, late 19th century. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a butterfly its wings set en tremblant with circular-cut demantoid garnets, cushion-shaped and circular-cut diamonds, the eyes set with circular-cut rubies. Est. 5,000—7,000 GBP. Lot Sold 9,375 GBP

Pair of conch pearl and diamond earrings.. photo Sotheby's

Each suspending a conch pearl to a hoop surmount set to the front with a line of brilliant-cut diamonds, hinged post fittings. Est. 6,000—7,000 GBP. Lot Sold 8,125 GBP

Conch pearl and diamond pendant and ring. photo Sotheby's

Comprising: an open work pendant, set to the centre with a conch pearl, suspending a smaller similarly set drop, within a frame and surmount of circular- and single-cut diamonds, to an associated curb and fetter link chain, length approximately 430mm; together with a ring centring on a conch pearl within a navette-shaped surround set with circular-cut diamonds, size M. Est. 4,000—5,000 GBP. Lot Sold 5,000 GBP

Set of four gem-set and diamond brooches, Sabbadini. photo Sotheby's

Each designed as a bee, the bodies respectively set with variously cut yellow sapphires, amethyst, tourmaline and blue topaz, further highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, three signed Sabbadini, one unsigned. Est. 3,000—5,000 GBP. Lot Sold 4,000 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, 14 Dec 10, London www.sothebys.com