Sotheby’s London recently announced that it will offer the personal jewellery collection of Michael Wellby on December 11th 2012. The renowned Mayfair silver dealer is known to have built an exquisite private collection of jewellery over 60 years. This collection features works of remarkable craftsmanship, ranging in date from the 16th to the 20th Century. The single-owner sale will comprise 211 lots with a combined estimate of £800,000-£1,000,000. The spotlights will be on the late 18th Century diamond corsage ornament (est. £60,000-80,000) and a spectacular late 19th Century wheat sheaf tiara (est. £60,000-80,000). %% Alexandra Rhodes, a Senior International Jewellery Specialist at Sotheby’s commented: “Michael Wellby’s jewellery collection was a labour of love. He and his wife Joy shared a passion for antique jewellery and they would often return from their travels with a new prize. Michael’s unerring eye sought out the most beautiful and interesting objects. The intrinsic value of the gems was never the chief consideration, for him the charm of the design was the most important requirement. This sale will offer collectors the opportunity to acquire some wonderful masterpieces of the jeweller’s art.” %%