Mosheh Oved (1885-1958 - alias Edward Goodack and Edward Good) is one of the most iconic names and sought-after jewllery makers to feature at auction. Mosheh was not only an expert on jewellery dealing from his infamous shop Cameo Corner, but a jeweller himself, a writer, sculptor and a poet! Oved had emigrated from his native Poland (then a part of the Russian Empire) to London in 1903, initially working as a watchmaker in the East End and then owning his own jewellery shop from 1908 onwards. He was also a founding member of the Ben Uri Society in 1915.
Mosheh Oved's now infamous shop was called Cameo Corner, and located in Bloomsbury London, a few yards from the British Museum. This shop became one of the busiest centres for the sale of fine jewellery in London - with clientele to included Anne Hall Grundy, of whom's collection of over 2,500 fine jewels were bequeathed to the British Museum, as well as Queen Mary! In this now renowned shop he sold not only cameos as one might expect, but the finest antique jewellery, and contemporary jewels from his peers to include Ingeborg Bratman, Wendy Ramshaw, Frances Beck, Gillian Packard, Tom Scott and Gerda Flockinger.
Oved's own jewellery output anecdotally began during the blitz. Taking shelter in the basement of Cameo Corner, he modelled the very first of his ring designs out of wax. This ring was designed as a lamb on wobbling legs. Many more sculptural animal, or anthropomorphic rings were to follow - cast in both gold and silver, and it is these animal rings that are the most collectable and sought-after at auction.
All manner of animal rings have appeared at auction - examples include birds, lambs, horses, donkeys, swans and parrots. Oved's designs in gold fetch the highest hammer prices, however his silver and bi-colour designs also can reach four figures with a keen buyer base.
Gold and silver deisgns include silver birds with gold beaks, silver lions with gold manes, and silver horses with gold ears. These charming creatures feature planished, engraved or textured coats and occasionally include gem-set or gold eyes.
Oved's work is unsigned, however on occasion, Oved included both Hebrew and English engravings to the base of his rings, rings with such engravings can pique the interest of collectors as well as social historians - engravings have included poetic lines, verses, song lyrics, as well as personal inscriptions of names.
Similarly, jewels purchased from Cameo Corner, complete with paperwork and/or the original Cameo Corner fitted cases can achieve fantastic prices at auction - with their association to this iconic shop and Mosheh Oved's specialist eye as an assurance of provenence and quality.
Our specialist Fine Jewellery & Watch auctions are held four times a year and include the whole spectrum of jewellery and watches, from modern and designer pieces to antique jewels, ladies and gents wristwatches as well as pocket watches. Our department is headed by Liz Bailey who is FGA and DGA qualified, with many years experience in the industry. We offer a free valuation service as well as a free collection service for items consigned to these auctions.
Contact our qualified specialist Liz Bailey to find out more.
Mosheh Oved's animal rings are unsigned, which means that a specialist attribution is neccessary to achieve the best hammer price possible at auction. If you would like a specialist opinion on your own animal or anthopomorphic ring, contact our team via auctions@wilson55.com.
The knowledge and passion of our experienced team enables us to achieve top prices for our vendors. For a free, no-obligation valuation complete the form below or click to find out how to sell in our auctions.
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