Updated Information for Buyers and Conditions of Sale below also Notes and Guidance for Catalogue Descriptions and Condition Reports of Jewellery, Diamonds, Gemstones and Metals
Our Buyer's Premium is 26% + VAT (31.2% inclusive) up to £20,000 and 25% + VAT (30% inclusive) thereafter per lot.
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 4.95% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Notes and Guidance for Catalogue Descriptions and Condition Reports of Jewellery, Diamonds, Gemstones and Metals
Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood
Jewellery, Gemstones, Diamonds and Metals
Coloured Gemstones
Purchasers are advised that whilst great care has been taken in the examination of gemstones, it is not possible to test every gemstone within the constraints of time and equipment available outside of laboratory conditions. Any gemstone not provided with a laboratory report has been assessed within the limitations of any mounting and an opinion has been given where possible to be used as a guideline only.
Historically, many coloured gemstones have been subjected to a variety of treatments designed to enhance their appearance. Certain enhancement methods, such as heating, are routinely used to alter aspects of rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones. Oiling is often undertaken to enhance the clarity of emeralds. The international jewellery trade has generally accepted these and other enhancement methods. Some treatments are permanent whereas others may only be semi-permanent, possibly requiring further re-treatment to retain their appearance.
Because of the widespread variety of treatments within the jewellery industry, prospective purchasers should assume that all gemstones will have been treated unless statements are made to the contrary. Gemmological reports from internationally recognised Gemmological Laboratories will be noted in the item description where available.
Diamonds
Advancements in technology have led to some diamonds being treated in several ways, all designed to improve their appearance or alter their colour. Processes include but are not necessarily limited to fracture filling, laser drilling, a combination of drilling and filling, HPHT treatment, irradiation and various coatings. Buyers are also alerted to the fact that synthetic diamonds are now produced in large quantities.
Whilst every effort is made to identify or disclose treated and synthetic diamonds, Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood cannot guarantee that all diamond set lots do not contain such material.
Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood do not knowingly offer treated diamonds for sale unless a gemmological opinion disclosing the type of treatment has been obtained and the treatment would be stated within the item description.
Weights and Measures
Estimated Diamond weights, colours and clarities given by Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood are intended as a guide for prospective purchasers, with the given limitations of mounts and settings, and are opinions only and not guaranteed by us.
Weights of coloured gemstones offered are based on the estimated dimensions, using trade standard formulae. Due to the traditional cutting techniques for coloured gemstones, it is possible there may be a discrepancy between the stated estimate and the unmounted weight.
Gold Testing
Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood use gold-testing acids and an electronic gold tester to test some metals where and when appropriate. This technology and method is limited and not 100% accurate and can be inconclusive.
Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood do not guarantee the standard of gold or platinum unless an item is hallmarked. Results from electronically tested items should only be used as a guide and with caution, as false readings are possible.
Lengths and Weights
Lengths and weights provided are estimates only.
Information in Gemmological Reports
The information stated in reports is the opinion of the respective laboratory and is not necessarily the opinion of Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood auctioneers.
Condition Reports
Statements in the catalogue regarding the condition of lots in this sale may appear in the description, however, the absence of such a reference does not imply a lack of damage or wear or lack of any further faults within the piece.
Please note that Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood offer condition reports on every lot offered. Our condition reports are the opinion of Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood and should be used as a guideline only.
We highly recommend that a prospective buyer view in person or send a representative to satisfy themselves to the condition, originality and suitability of a piece(s) before bidding.
Our lots are almost all exclusively antique or second-hand and as such should be expected to have signs of wear and use commensurate with the age of the piece.
We highly recommend that you view any items you intend to purchase as refunds will not be given.
This doesn’t affect your statutory rights.
Shipping:
Unfortunately Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood do not offer shipping and are unable to provide any other wrapping, packing and despatch service of their own.
We do not undertake postage and packing or recommend anyone who may undertake this on your behalf. However, here are some useful numbers of companies that will be able to assist.
Silver Arrow - Jemma Peach silverarrowpost@gmx.co.uk 07580 090 850
Mailboxes etc info@mbeplymouth.co.uk 01752 257224
Auction Postal Services sales@apservices.info 07736 544362
Information for Buyers at Auctions
1.
Introduction. The following notes are intended to assist bidders and buyers, particularly those that are inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All of our auctions are governed by our Conditions of Business incorporating the Terms of Consignment (primarily applicable to sellers), the Terms of Sale (primarily applicable to bidders and buyers) and any notices that are displayed in our salerooms or announced by the auctioneer at the auction. Our Conditions of Business are available for inspection at our salerooms and the Terms of Sale are printed in the back of our auction catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything in our Conditions of Business that you do not fully understand.
Please make sure that you read our Terms of Sale set out in this catalogue or on our website carefully before bidding in the auction. If your bid is successful, you will be obliged to comply with our Terms of Sale.
2.
Agency. As auctioneers we usually act on behalf of the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. If you buy at auction your contract for the goods is with the seller, not with us as auctioneer.
3.
Estimates. Estimates are designed to help you gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. Estimates may change and should not be thought of as the sale price. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price (the minimum price for which a lot may be sold) and will not be below the reserve price. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the auction and may be altered by a saleroom notice or announcement by the auctioneer before the auction of the lot. They are not definitive.
4.
Buyer’s Premium. The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer’s premium at 26% + VAT (31.2% inclusive) up to £20,000 and 25% + VAT (30% inclusive) thereafter per lot, which shall include VAT on the premium at the rate imposed by law (see below). There is a surcharge for bidding on the internet.
5.
VAT. Items in our catalogue may be marked in the following ways:
a. A ‘dagger’ symbol indicates that VAT is payable by the buyer on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer’s premium. VAT will be chargeable at the standard rate (presently 20%). This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers Margin Scheme or because VAT is due at 20% on importation into the UK.
b. The double ‘dagger’ indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union. [These lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the hammer price and buyer’s premium)].
c. Lots which do not have either of the above symbols have no VAT payable on the hammer price. This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme. The VAT included within the premium is not recoverable as input tax.
6.
Inspection of goods by the buyer. As we act on behalf of the seller, we are dependent on information provided by the seller about their goods. We may inspect lots and will act reasonably in taking a general view about them. However, we are normally unable to carry out detailed examinations of lots to check their condition in the way a buyer would do. You will have ample opportunity to inspect the goods. You must inspect and investigate lots that you might wish to bid for. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots set out in the Terms of Sale at clause 12.4.
7.
Electrical goods. These are sold as “antiques” and for collection and display only. If you buy electrical goods for use you must ask a qualified electrician to check them for compliance with safety regulations before you use them.
8.
Export of goods. If you intend to export goods you must find out:
a. whether an export licence is needed; and
b. if there is a prohibition on importing goods of that character e.g. because the goods contain prohibited materials such as ivory.
9.
Bidding. Bidders will be required to register with us before the auction starts. We reserve the right to impose a deadline prior to the auction by which you must register or by which we must receive a commission bid. If you wish to bid on high value lots this deadline may be several days before the auction in order to allow us sufficient time to carry out the necessary checks. Lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone or online bidding. Please note that we may refuse to register you if you do not provide us with all the information and documentation that we ask for or at our discretion.
10.
Financial Checks. As auctioneers we may have to conduct various checks into our customers under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 and related legislation. Unless we confirm we already have this information, on registration you will be required to provide the following:
a. For individuals, official photo identification (driving licence, passport or equivalent) and proof of address (if this is not included in your ID document);
b. For corporate entities, the certificate of incorporation (or equivalent) with your official name, registered number (if any) and registered address, as well as details and ID documentation for directors and beneficial owners of the entity;
c. For trusts and estates, details and ID documentation for executors/trustees and details of beneficiaries; please contact us for further information.
You may be asked for further information if we deem this necessary. If you are bidding for another person (your “Principal”) you will be required to provide the above information for yourself and your Principal, along with a signed letter from your Principal authorising you to bid.
Further information about ID requirements is available on 01392 413100 or enquiries@bhandl.co.uk If we deem that you have not provided sufficient information for us to complete our anti-money laundering and terrorist financing checks to our satisfaction, we may refuse to register you to bid and we may postpone completion of or cancel any contract made by you and the Seller in the event you have made a successful bid.
11.
Commission bidding. Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid against a lot (excluding the buyers’ premium and/or any applicable VAT). We will execute commission bids as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids we may prefer the first bid received (where this can be reasonably ascertained). Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or email or online bidding platform.
12.
Methods of Payment
All payments must be made in sterling. The following methods of payment are available:
CHEQUE; STERLING BANK DRAFT; ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFER IN STERLING; CREDIT CARD (VISA AND ACCESS-MASTERCARD ISSUED IN THE UK ONLY); DEBIT CARDS; CASH (up to a maximum of £1,000); OPAYO PAYMENT LINK via our website
If a purchaser is unknown to the auctioneers and is intending to pay by credit or debit card we will require the card holder to attend in person with suitable photographic identification, otherwise payment is required by BACS/CHAPS or electronic bank transfer. As a general rule any cheques tendered will need to be cleared before removal of the goods is permitted.
Cheques and drafts should be made payable to Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.
Card payments where the card holder is not present will only be accepted for transactions up to £1,000
Clearance Times
All other sterling cheques drawn on UK banks will generally clear on the fifth working day after receipt.
Sterling bank drafts drawn on UK banks can generally be cleared immediately.
Bank transfers clear as soon as our bank receives funds (which does not happen instantaneously after payment instructions are given).
Credit and debit card payments can be cleared immediately, subject to paragraph above.
13.
Collection and storage. Please note what the Terms of Sale say about collection and storage. It is important that you pay for and collect goods promptly. Any delay may involve you having to pay storage charges.