Stockholms Auktionsverk has been given the honourable task of selling a selection of silver, gold boxes and jewellery from one of our time’s foremost silver experts, Jan Ribbhagen.

Jan comes from a family of goldsmiths, the youngest of three brothers, and the last to join the family business. When he finally got the chance, he resolved to show his father and brothers that he was someone to be reckoned with. He would become the best at identifying hallmarks and the best at finding the highest quality among the most exclusive pieces of antique silver and jewellery. And so it came to be, and so it has continued for over forty years at various addresses in Stockholm, at fairs around the world, and in “The Silver Vaults” in London. In addition to his knowledge and eye for the unique qualities of objects, he has a special ability to inspire others to surround themselves with beautiful jewels and sparkling silver pieces. Perhaps it was his early experience in the car sales trade that helped him to connect so successfully with different personalities in such an open and trustworthy manner.

“For those who have not met Jan — Janne — Ribbhagen, I would describe him in the same way as everyone I have asked: ‘He is a cheerful, boisterous, kind man with a very big heart and great generosity, not least when it comes to sharing his knowledge.’ His eye for quality and his understanding of the most challenging hallmarks are, to say the least, impressive.

Jan’s inquisitive collecting has blended with the work of the business; he has breathed and lived his great passion constantly. The boundaries have blurred, but the quest for the very best has continued. However, the very finest pieces have become increasingly difficult for him to part with. It has therefore been an honour, and immensely rewarding, to work with the sixty or so silver objects, gold boxes and jewellery chosen for sale at auction. Each piece possesses a specific quality that captured Jan Ribbhagen’s enthusiasm and interest.”

Anna Wehtje, Specialist in Silver & Preciosa at Stockholms Auktionsverk