Shakenhurst Hall, Worcestershire | The Jewellery Collection

26 July 2022

Bellmans is delighted to present a unique selection of books, jewellery, silver, works of art and fine paintings formerly from the historic Shakenhurst Hall in Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire. This collection, from one of the most exclusive residences in the West Midlands will be included the forthcoming 2022 auctions. Following on from July's Printed Books, Manuscripts and Maps auction, Bellmans is now set to feature unique pieces of jewellery from the collection in Bellmans' August Interiors auction.

Boasting a lineage back to the Domesday Book, the Shakenhurst estate had been owned by the Meysey family since 1349. In 1961 it passed to Michael Meysey Wigley Severne and his wife, Rachel Severne (née Fitzgerald), so between them they took on the task of restoring the house. Rachel, having grown up at her family home of Castle Glin in County Limerick, was no stranger to being 'Lady of the Manor'. As an aristocratic supermodel in the 1950s, Rachel, often referred to as 'The Swan ' as of her graceful features, enjoyed a highly successful modelling career, regularly featured in prestigious titles such as Vogue or Tatler magazine.

Rachel naturally had a love of beautiful jewellery and the items from her antique and vintage collection are truly unique. The collection also includes jewellery with the provenance from the Countess of Dysart at Ham House, Richmond.

Highlights from the collection include Lot 1765, an Art Deco emerald and diamond oval ring, circa 1920's with an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000. This dazzling ring was in fact Rachel Severne's favourite piece of jewellery. Other highlights featured are Lot 1800, a 19th century diamond-set cross pendant, estimated at £3,000 - £4,000, Lot 1837, a stunning early 20th century diamond twin cluster jabot pin with an estimate of £5,000 - £7,000, Lot 1740, a diamond brooch, circa 1900 estimated at £800 - £1,200 and Lot 1742, an unusual sardonyx, diamond and cultured pearl pendant brooch, circa 1800 with an estimate of £800 - £1,200.

Eleanor Harrison, Bellmans' Jewellery specialist comments:

'There are some mesmerising jewels being offered for sale including rare and one of a kind pieces of exceptional quality anyone would be lucky to own.'