Find gorgeous arts & antiques in Devon

As the nights grow darker and days feel shorter, you may be looking for ways to brighten up your space.

Throughout Tavistock, there are plenty of opportunities to find beautiful antiques, which could spruce up your home, adorn your party outfits, or make the perfect gift.

Take a peek at what’s available from Eldreds, In A Nutshell Antiques, and Dartmoor Auctions.

Christmas is coming and with it, party time! What better way to “put on the glitz” than stepping out with a fabulous diamond line bracelet. The bracelet coming up in Eldreds’ sale of Silver and Jewellery on December 3 boasts fifty-two well-matched brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18k white gold, with concealed clasp, resulting in a continuous, stunning, line of sparkle. Estimate £3000-4000.

Just as stylish is a diamond ring of asymmetric design, claw-set two old-brilliant-cut diamonds of 1.29cts and 1.44cts with further diamonds either side and set in 18ct yellow and white gold mount. Estimate £3000-4000.

Omega has always been one of the most desirable watch brands, with the De Ville series as one of the most popular. Eldred's sale includes a gentleman’s 18ct Omega De Ville wristwatch on 18ct gold bracelet, estimated at £2600-3000.

The sale also has a lot which represents a piece of watch history – the Seiko Quartz VFA which came out in the early 1970s. “VFA” stands for Very Fine Adjusted and promised an extraordinary deviation of +/- 5seconds per month – almost unbelievable at the time. This particular Seiko VFA is even more unusual in that it is 18ct hammered gold and an off-beat oval shape with horizontally-faceted watch glass. Estimate £3500-4000. www.eldreds.net

Now winter is here and its getting colder and darker I’ve seen a lot of people looking for pieces for their homes as we all start to spend more time indoors.

There’s nothing nicer on a cold morning than breakfast in bed and this Butler’s Tray is absolutely perfect for serving your tea and toast! It dates from the late Victorian era it has handles to carry the tray and comes with its original folding stand.

The Christmas window is twinkling and lots of you have been making a start on your festive shopping. Along with lots of other Ashburton traders we’ll be staying open late on Thursday December 5 for late night shopping.

I say it every year but antiques really do make great gifts. Not only do antiques promise to provide something completely unique and personal but they are also a very sustainable form of gifting - you are recycling after all! We’ve got all things sparkly from silver and jewellery to crystal glasses and beautiful ceramics. Of course, antiques don’t just make great presents. How about using them to decorate your home at Christmas? Vintage napkin rings, champagne flutes and Victorian meat platters all look fabulous on a Christmas table!

Lydia Wood - In A Nutshell Antiques / www.inanutshellantiques.co.uk

Dartmoor Auctions are gearing up for their last sale of 2024 and it promises to eclipse all previous sales.

Lots will include homeopathic bottles, pills and remedies, a superb collection of African art and tribal items, beautiful watercolours and oils, gold jewellery and silver curios aplenty.

Resident auctioneer Ann Thorp will be wielding the gavel together with experienced and steadying arm David Force (arriving as Santa on his sleigh).

Dartmoor Auctions is one of the very few remaining live auctions in the South West, with complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and snacks all day, comfy chairs and free colour printed catalogues.

Based at the award winning Bowdens Nursery at Sticklepath the auction will run through approximately 100 lots per hour. Bidding is in person, online or on the phone.

They invite entries to their next auction in February, including:

Goods are taken in from Tuesday January 7 for the February sale which promises to be a corker.

Dartmoor Auctions - Monthly Auction at Bowdens Nursery at Sticklepath on Saturday December 7. Doors open at 9am for a 9.30am start. Viewing on Friday December 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. All welcome on both days.