JADE jewellery proved a big hit when it went under the hammer at Tennants of Leyburn.

Their latest sale of jewellery, watches and silver showed strong results all round - but he jade items stood apart.

“Good quality jade is always in demand, with the Chinese market particularly interested in Art Deco pieces,” said a spokesman.

Four items from private vendors drew strong bidding in the room, on the phone and online: a jade ring with an oval cabochon stone, estimated at £100-£150, made £950; a pair of 1930s jade and diamond drop earrings, estimated at £200-£400, made £950; a jade bead necklace estimated at £300 - £500, made £850; and an Art Deco jade and diamond ring, estimated at £250-£450, made £950.

Elsewhere unusual pieces also caught the bidders’ eyes; a moonstone and chrysoberyl necklace with heart-shaped moonstones sold for £1,200 against an estimate of £500-£800 while a red enamel diamond set heart pendant sold for £1,000 against an estimate of £350-£550.

The sale resulted in a total hammer price of £86,630.