DIAMONDS proved to be a girl’s best friend as Trevanion and Dean’s three top-selling lots at this month’s auction sparkled.

It was a busy day with more than 850 lots, but the top lot of the day was a stunning pair of diamond earrings, each set with a beautiful old cut diamond measuring 2.40ct, which were eventually secured by a buyer from Cheshire for £8,000.

Hot on the heels of the earrings were a diamond set brooch which sold for £2,600 and a solitaire diamond ring which sold for £2,500.

Co-owner Christina Trevanion believes the stones were cut by hand in the 1800s and was delighted to sell them at the auction last week.

“The earrings are just exquisitely beautiful,” she said.

“What I particularly liked about them is  they are set with old cut diamonds, meaning the stones themselves were probably cut by hand in the Victorian era and re-set in the early 20th century into a more fashionable style drop earring.

“To get two such well-matched stones in terms of colour, clarity and size is incredibly rare. It was certainly exciting to sell them.

“People are realising the benefits of buying jewellery at auction over a retail environment and we have developed quite a following here at Trevanion and Dean of investors who are looking for good quality pieces that will hold their value.”

Also sold at the auction was a 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty ladies kesi robe, which was discovered by junior valuer Ashley Jones in a country house .

He said: “I have an absolute passion for Asian arts, specifically those derived from China, and so it felt like Christmas when I found this piece.

“Crucially, the colours were still vibrant – so often you find  the silk has perished or the colours have been sunned.  Other than a little wear and tear, the piece was in excellent order.”

Bidders from around the globe battled it out for a chance to own the robe, before it finally sold to an international telephone bidder for £2,300.

The firm of auctioneers is already busy accepting entries for its next big auction on July 15, which will also see the popular BBC daytime antiques programme Bargain Hunt return to film at the auction house.

“The reds and the blues will be battling it out to see who wins, but why not come along and see what it’s like behind the scenes?” added Christina.  “All are welcome, and our café serves fantastic cake.”