DESPITE a huge display of elegant gemstones in Lawrences' recent jewellery sale in Crewkerne, the day's top price was paid for a man's watch.

Highlights included a pair of Georgian diamond and gem set earrings at £3,050; a Victorian turquoise, diamond and gold snake necklace in its fitted case that made £4,390; a fine ruby and diamond cluster ring, the clear red stone of Burmese origin, that made £6,100; and another ruby and diamond combination with a 1.17 carat Burmese ruby that made £7,320. A row of amber beads made £2,680; a diamond and enamel horse and jockey brooch leapt to £700; and a group of silver pocket watches from the collection of the late Norman Brodie made £4,860.

However, top honours went to a gentleman's stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller wristwatch that saw bids tick up to £13,400, close to the top estimate.