It was a time to shine in more ways than one when Whitchurch-based auctioneers Trevanion and Dean set the scene for a sparkly Christmas with their latest auction.

A selection of diamond rings stole the show, with the highlight a stunning diamond solitaire ring, measuring approx 3ct, which sold for £6,000. The old round brilliant cut diamond, within an eight-claw setting and simple 18ct yellow gold hoop, is sure to make one lucky lady shine this holiday season.

The jewellery and watches section proved to be one of the strongest categories of the day.

Auctioneer Christina Trevanion said: “Antique watches are proving to be a very timely investment – values are increasing year on year and we are seeing many collectors returning to us time after time.”

The ceramics section continued to show impressive results following the previous auction, when a celadon Chinese zhadou broke the house record at £21,000.

Poised to go under the hammer were three lots of much-admired Wemyss dragonfly pattern Scottish pottery, which more that exceeded their estimates. Despite damages throughout, the collection sold for £1,800 and another W.H. Smith of Whitchurch cheese vat came up for sale in its home town, selling for £1,000.

There was a surprise when a rare vase by Staffordshire-born studio potter Charles Vyse – with £100-£200 estimate owing to a large crack through the middle – sold for £850.

During the toy section, junior valuer Ashley Jones was given his first chance in the auctioneering spotlight.

Aaron said: “We are all so proud of Ashley – he even got a round of applause!”

Ashley, from Ellesmere, joined the company as an apprentice in summer 2015 and has subsequently been offered a position at the firm as junior valuer and apprentice auctioneer.

Christina added: “Your first time on the rostrum can be utterly terrifying, but Ashley took it all in his stride.

“He handled the bidders and bids magnificently and we are all looking forward to seeing him on the rostrum again.”

The team are gearing up for what will be a fabulous Christmas auction on December 17. Entries are invited for this auction until this Friday and there are valuation days every Monday and Friday 9am to 5pm, at their iconic saleroom The Joyce Building in Station Road.