Shop volunteer Stella shows ‘unusual’ find some love
With an eye for quality and a passion for discovering hidden history, our Glossop shop volunteer Stella Quinn knows a thing or two about jewellery.
During her Friday and Saturday afternoon shifts, Stella meticulously processes donations of bric-a-brac and jewellery, pricing them up and stocking them on the shelves.
She was sorting through one particular bag of costume jewellery donated recently when one item immediately stood out, much to her excitement.
“I just happened to come across an oval locket, it was absolutely stunning,” explained Stella.
“It could have possibly come from a house clearance. I noticed straight away that it was a much older item.
“I know about jewellery and collect some myself. It was just so unusual. The rim was gold metal but not hallmarked.
“It was a miniature of a sailor and his love, with a ship in the background and he’s handing her a bag of money. On the reverse was plaited hair, which was the norm for a love token. It would have been the hair of your best beloved. The couple were in typical Georgian dress in the painting on the front of the locket.
“It was probably earlier than the Victorian age because the style of the dress is Regency and it wasn’t a mourning item because they were almost always black. Victorian jewellery would tend to be black often with plaited hair, based on items worn by Queen Victoria.
“It wouldn’t be something that you could really wear in this day and age, unless you’re dressed for it. But it’s a great item for a collector.”
The love token, around two inches by 1.5 inches in size, is believed to be from circa 1820 to 1840.
Recognising there could be more to the locket than meets the eye, Stella decided to explore online to see if she could get an auctioneer to value it – and her endeavours were worthwhile.
“I discovered Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers, based in Devon, and they were really enthusiastic about it.
“They gave it a basic valuation of between £150 to £200 and also said that they don’t charge charities commission which is really good. They were exceptionally helpful.
“They said anything of that age, like a miniature, would be painted on ivory so we had to get an ivory exemption certificate which for the size of the locket was around £20. They sold it for us and we got £100 for it which was fantastic. I didn’t have a reserve on it, so that was fine.
“It was a real learning curve because I hadn’t taken anything to an auction house before. I certainly would consider it for future donations.”
Stella, who lives in Simmondley, has volunteered in our Glossop shop for around six years.
The former teaching assistant, who worked with students with special educational needs for around 30 years, wanted to support the Hospice after our teams cared for her husband when he was ill.
Stella finds great joy in using her inquisitive mind to really make a difference.
“You never know what you’re going to find when you open a bag of donations and that’s the beauty of it,” she shared.
“In any donation, you can find a piece of silver or occasionally gold. You can’t discount it so you’ve got to look – I always carry a little lens in my pocket, just in case.”
Well done Stella, here’s to unearthing more gems!