LOOKS like someone's going to have a sparkling surprise on Valentine's Day after this piece of jewellery sold for £30,000 at an auction in Somerset

The diamond brooch mounted with three brilliant cut diamonds fetched double its top estimate at the Lawrence Auctioneers sale in Crewkerne.

Not far behind was was a 19th Century mosaic and gold necklace, hung with micro-mosaic pendants minutely decorated with motifs from the early Christian church, had been made by Antonio Civilotti (1798-1870) in Rome. It was offered in its original fitted case and against hopes of £6000-8000 made £25,000.

There was strong bidding throughout the auction on January 20.

Other highlights included the £4,375 for a 127g 18-carat gold double curb link bracelet festooned with assorted charms; £4,750 for a diamond and Baroque pearl jabot pin; £5,000 for a fine diamond three stone ring; £5,000 for a Cartier gold and diamond wristwatch; and £13,750 for a Gentleman’s Oyster Perpetual Submariner Rolex watch.

A run of exceptional prices towards the end of the sale included £6,875 for a pair of diamond drop earrings; the same price for an Art Deco diamond bracelet; and £9,375 for a diamond and 18-carat gold necklace with complementary earrings.