There has been a steady influx of fine jewellery into Smiths auction rooms this week as a huge variety of entries have been flooding in for the sale on October 15.

The sale has a special section for jewellery, gold and silver and since, the demand for a post pandemic Christmas is bound to be strong, the market seems to be in a buoyant mood. Although it may seem a little early to go Christmas shopping dealers will be looking to stock up now in preparation and canny private buyers and collectors will also be keeping their eyes peeled on the internet searching for something original or unusual.Top of the wish list is surely a very fine three stone diamond ring which comes complete with GIA diamond certification and is estimated at £8,000/£10,000. Other items include an attractive and eye-catching diamond and ruby marquise ring estimated at just £500/£700 and a selection of diamond rings to suit all styles and budgets. A large selection of silver jewellery is also on offer including a Georg Jensen bracelet and a range of modern dress rings and pendants as well as a good selection of Victorian silver brooches, bangles and lockets. There are also a large number of silver items including a large silver and leather hip flask - these always make popular presents for men of any age. One item which is guaranteed to find a good home is a rather cute penguin silver salt and pepper set estimated at just £60/£80 whilst a large silver owl is also bound to prove popular. For those who live in the Forest of Dean there is a silver walking cane handle in the form of a wild boar’s head - once it has been mounted it would make a very fine gift indeed.Continuing on a wildlife theme some taxidermy items from a local collector, who has recently downsized, include a very rare and unusual pair of albino moles mounted under a glass dome as well as a selection of taxidermy birds and a Rowland Ward mounted fox head. Although not to everyone’s taste taxidermy is actually very popular at auctions and Rowland Ward is one of the most highly regarded and sought-after Victorian practitioners. The sale also includes a selection of vintage fashion and textile items such as handbags and silk shawls, evening gloves and even a Mary Quant colourful rain cape. By coincidence a good selection of antique and vintage toys have been entered from a wide variety of sources including a large collection of pin ball games and bagatelle boards. It is amazing to see the variety of boards which were on offer including examples with exciting names and designs such as ’Big Shot’, ’Roccaball’, ’Super Gold Star’ and a ’Dribble’ football game. These would have been the equivalent of the computer games of the early 20th century and it is rather poignant to contrast the two experiences!Smiths are looking for final entries of silver, jewellery, gold, as well as collectables, ceramics, glass paintings and small items of furniture. They are also taking entries now of coins, postcards and stamps for their sale in January - these specialist items are assessed by a team of consultants and the catalogue will go online before Christmas to ensure maximum exposure. Please telephone 01531 821776 for an appointment or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk