Diamonds shine on...

It is a known saying that ‘Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend’ and to most ladies this is very true. But, what is it about the dazzling piece of jewellery that makes it so special?

First, let’s appreciate this stunning, dazzling diamond that is expected to become the world’s most expensive and valued jewel.


Source: The Daily Mail: £40m diamond set to become worlds most expensive jewel

The 56.90 carat 'Pink Star' is set to go for over £40million at a Sotheby’s auction next month in Geneva. According to BBC news the diamond, which was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, has received the highest possible colour and clarity rating from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) so it is no surprise that there will be such a demand for this beautiful gem.

The name diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas", meaning indestructible, which embodies and portrays the toughness of the gem. The 4 C's, carat, cut, colour and clarity are the 4 descriptive characteristics of the gemstone and for being as beautiful as diamonds are, it is hard to believe that it really is quite a simple material of pure carbon. The sophistication of the cut and polish are what makes diamonds truly stand out and 'shine'.

The most common use for a diamond today would probably be the engagement ring. We have a romantic Austrian aristocrat, Archduke Maximilian, to thank for this when he decided to give his fiancée a diamond ring when he proposed to her in 1477 (Source: The Independent). However it has always been custom to wear the ring on the left index finger as it is thought that this is where a vein leads directly to the heart... How romantic!

There is not doubt that diamonds are a desirable piece of jewellery with timeless style and elegance. The example above just shows the exceptional value of diamonds, not only in their beauty, but their sheer quality and distinctions.

McTear's may not have a diamond quite as spectacular as the 'Pink Star', but there might be something that catches your eye in our Fine Jewellery auction on the 13th November 2013.

Whisky Hammer Highlights Worldwide... Wow!

Now that you are an expert from reading our previous blog 'A Guide to Whisky for the Non-Whisky Connoisseur', this one follows well… It is a well known appreciation, especially of us Scots to occasionally enjoy a glass of our finest export- whiskey!

Here is a list of some of the most expensive whiskies in the world- we are sure it will be no surprise where the origins of the best whiskies come from, because let's face it, we Scots for it best!

1. Macallan 1946 – £285,000


Macallan 1946

This single malt whisky in a LaliqueCire Perdue decanter was auctioned in 2010, with the proceeds going to charity. It is particularly unusual because it was made with peated malt due to the then-prohibitive coal prices that shot up because of World War II. This is a classic Macallan and one of the best ever released.


2. Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 – £58,000


Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955

Glenfiddich had a barrel of Scotch whisky aging since New Year’s Eve of 1955. When the granddaughter of Glenfiddich’s founder William Grant, Janet Sheed Roberts, passed away, the company honoured her by making 15 bottles from the barrel. Four bottles were kept by the family and 11 were sent to auction. A whisky connoisseur from Atlanta bought one of them for $94,000. The whisky has been recognised for its floral, fruity and sweet taste.

3. Macallan 1926 – £46,500

Macallan 1926

The oldest in Macallan’s fine and rare collection, this single malt was distilled in 1926 and bottled in to 40 in 1986. The blend is dry and concentrated with no water added. The colour reflects that of the old barrel. It was purchased in 2005 by a South Korean man.


4. Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Matheson – £36,000

Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Matheson

This is a blend of four single malt whiskies distilled in different years. Only 12 bottles were made in 1942, each of which was given individual names relevant to the Dalmore Estate. The most expensive was the Matheson, named after Alexander Matheson, the estate owner. It was purchsded in 2005 by an anonymous buyer who quickly opened it and drank it with five friends.


5. Glenfiddich 1937 – £12,400


Glenfiddich 1937

This is from Glenfiddich’s Rare Collection. It was distilled in Scotland in 1937 and left to age. The barrel was then opened and made into 61 bottles in 2001. The whisky is said to have a rich walnut colour with hints of cedar, cinnamon, cloves and toffee. The bottle was auctioned for charity in 2006, in New York.

Please note that all above prices have all been converted from dollars and simplified. These are some lavish hammer prices, see what Hammer Highlights we had at McTear's recently, where the great whisky buying interest has led to bottles of Scotland's finest winging their way to all corners of the globe.

McTear's next whisky auction is one the Department is already looking forward to and preparations are already underway. Join the global whisky audience at 10.30am on 13th November for more collectable and drinkable whisky in our Rare & Collectable Whisky, Wine & Port Auction. Furthermore, to discuss selling or buying whisky, wine and other spirits at McTear's, please contact specialists Stephen McGinty or Dominic Hughes on 0141 810 2880 or email stephern@mctears.co.uk ordominic@mctears.co.uk.

The Lord Provost's lunch in aid of the STV Appeal!

Who was lucky enough to be at the Lord Provost's lunch at Glasgow City Chambers this weekend?

Another event to fundraise money for The STV Appeal 2013 took place this weekend with great success raising £26,000 for the appeal. Our Brian from McTear's was there on the day helping out with the gavel. Over £2000 was paid for a Gerard Burns painting and £500 for a tour of STV with Sean Batty.



All in all it was a fantastic afternoon and with The STV Appeal 2013's live show happening this Friday it was another great contribution and fundraising event for the cause.

Get ready to bid once again...

5 weeks have nearly past and once again McTear's are busy getting ready for next week's dedicated auctions.

Kicking off our 3 days will be the Asian Works of Art auction with ceramics, metalwork and furniture dedicated to rare and collectable objects from Asia including China, Japan and India. An example of one of these fine pieces is this beautiful Japanese Sumo Tegata from the 1981 sumo league, featuring hand prints and signatures of Kurohimeyama, Takamiyama and Chiyonofuji.


Lot 125 Estimate: £1500- £1600

McTear's will then give you the chance to bid on some fantastic items in our clocks, musical and scientific instruments auction including long case clocks, telescopes, violins and more. This unique and eye-catching Junghans Spelter mantel clock is just an example of what's to come in this auction.


Lot 349 Estimate: £120-£180

As with every block of dedicated auctions, we will be hosting our Rare & Collectable Whisky, Wine and Port auction with roughly 500 lots going under the hammer. It's hard to single out specific lots in this auction as there is such a variety, however this one caught our eye. Highland Park1958 Singal Island Malt Whisky (700ml and 44% volume) with decanter and commemorative book in wooden box is set to go under the hammer for an estimate of £800-£1000.


Lot 700 Estimate: £800-£100

Whether you want to treat yourself or someone else we have the auction for you. McTear's Fine Jewellery auction will give you the chance to bid on approximately 300 lots beautiful jewellery. For example this stunning ring would be a fantastic gift with Christmas coming up. The unusual Pearl and Diamond dress ring set with a row of graduated diamonds, flanked by two spherical pearls (size P)is estimated to go for £400-£600.


Lot 1227 Estimate: £400-£600

This is just a small selection of what we have coming up next week in our auctions. Starting on Tuesday the 8th and finishing on the 13th of October with The Scottish Contemporary Art auction, it's a week of auctions not to be missed.

Asian Works of Art - Tuesday 8th October 10.30am

Clocks, Musical & Scientific Instruments - Tuesday 8th October 6pm

Furniture, Works of Art & Collectables - Tuesday 8th October 7pm

Rare & Collectable Whisky, Wine & Port - Wednesday 9th October 10.30am

Watches & Coins - Wednesday 9th October 5pm

Fine Jewellery - Wednesday 9th October 6pm

The British & International Pictures Auction - Thursday 10th October 6pm

The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction (Sunday) - Sunday 13th October 2pm