AUCTIONEER Derek Biss promised a cracking entry of jewellery and silver as he got Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s October antiques sale underway at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton.

The auction did not disappoint as a classy cavalcade of premier gems went under the hammer at the bustling saleroom selling to room, phone and internet bidders.

A room bidder clinched the top priced item of the day – a stunning diamond single stone ring. This magnificent piece was bought for £6,420.

The ring was among a number of high-end items consigned from the same vendor and all were fine examples of the jeweller’s craft.

A couple of phone bidders tussled for ownership of an Edwardian diamond brooch from the same source. One won out and bought the beautiful statement piece for £1,235.

More phone lines were in action for a late Victorian Fattorini & Sons 18 carat gold open faced carousel pocket watch, marked Chester 1896. This sold for £2,735.

A sapphire and diamond three stone ring, circa 1910, was not far behind. This sold for £2,490 to a room bidder.

A pair of Victorian silver chambersticks dating from 1860 sold for an impressive £750.

The “big ticket” items were not restricted to the jewellery and silver sections. A Great Britain collection of 19th Century and later stamps fetched £1,100.

A large George III bacon settle, which had been stored in a barn, was another success story. A room bidder, who had read about the settle in that morning’s Somerset County Gazette bought the weighty piece of furniture for £2,100.

Preparations are already in hand for the next antiques sale which takes place on Thursday, November 2. This will feature a considered books and maps section.

If you would like to consign items for the sale or would like to arrange a home visit please contact the saleroom on 01823-332525.