LONDON.- Looking for a unique gift at Christmas? Savvy shoppers should consider buying at auction. The jewellery department at Bonhams Montpelier Street, located in Knightsbridge near Harrods, holds monthly auctions of jewellery and their final auction of the year will be held on the 10th of December.

The December sale has nearly 400 lots to choose from, items for both men and women. With estimates ranging from as little as £400 to £12,000, there is something special for every occasion.

Cufflinks are particularly popular this time of year, making the perfect Christmas gift for that hard-to-shop-for man. The selection from this sale includes a limited edition pair of Asprey ‘Protector’ cufflinks (pictured above, £1,200-1,500). In the form of entwined serpents set with black diamonds and emerald eyes, is one of only ten pairs sold worldwide. A set of interchangeable cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels, estimated at £2,000-2,500, lets the wearer choose between three different colours of stone.

Carole Gordon, Head of Department Knightsbridge, says, “Our most popular items are those that will stand the test of time- jewellery by luxury brands such as Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels; diamond jewellery; beautiful antique pieces; and of course engagement rings”.

Playful and chic items by big names include a charm bracelet by Louis Vuitton (£5,000-7,000), featuring tiny charms of handbags and more; and a bracelet with linked heart shapes designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. (£1,800-2,200).

Jewellery in the sale ranges from modern pieces, to those of iconic design movements- fabulous 1960s baubles, sleek Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 30s, delicate early 20th century belle époque treasures- and even earlier items.

For an unusual piece a Mauboussin dress ring is estimated at £1,000-1,500, featuring a rock crystal sphere which conceals a brilliant-cut diamond. A rock crystal and diamond heart pendant, circa 1830 (£1,000-1,500) and belle époque diamond pendant, circa 1905 (£1,200-1,500) (both pictured top), are the kind of special gifts guaranteed to make someone’s Christmas unforgettable.

If a proposal is in the cards for Christmas or New Years, the sale has a selection of single and multiple stone diamond and precious gem rings. Prices vary according to the usual criteria: cut, colour, clarity, and size. Whether your loved one prefers vintage or modern jewellery, there is something to suit all tastes.

Ready to make that special someone’s Christmas dreams come true? First time visitors to Bonhams need not be apprehensive; anyone is welcome to attend a viewing or sale, whether or not they plan on bidding for an item.

Viewing will take place on Sunday 7th December from 11 am to 3 pm; and Monday the 8th and Tuesday the 9th, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on both days.

If something sparkly catches the eye, bids can be placed online on Bonhams website www.bonhams.com, via telephone, and also in the saleroom on the day of the sale. The auction will take place at Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge commencing 11 am on Wednesday December 10th.