Saffronart’s online auction of Fine Jewels returns on 25 – 26 October 2023 with an exceptional selection of 122 lots carefully curated for discerning collectors. These include jewellery and statement pieces, traditional designs that epitomize Indian craftsmanship, significant gemstones, and exquisite silverware.
Leading the sale is An Important Burmese Ruby Bead Necklace (Lot 54, estimate: INR 60-70 lakhs; USD 73,175 – 85,370), designed as three gently graduated rows of ruby beads measuring 10.9 mm to 3.20 mm, to a clasp set with full‒cut diamonds. Another highlight lot is An Important Diamond Ring (Lot 68, estimate: INR 1.2 – 1.5 crores; USD 146,345 – 182,930), expertly crafted to showcase the spectacular brilliance of a classic old-cut diamond, a truly distinctive gem.
Several pieces from the auction are notable for their legacy of fine Indian craftsmanship preserved through generations. These include traditional works such as a Navratna Bajuband or Arm Ornament (Lot 2, estimate INR 6.5 – 8.5 lakhs; USD 7,930 – 10,370), and Gemset Bajuband or Arm Ornament (Lot 3, estimate INR 4 – 6 lakhs; USD 4,880 – 7,320).
Other highlights of the sale include period jewellery such as a Period Gold and Silver Hair Ornament (lot 15, estimate: INR 5 – 7 lakhs; USD 6,100 – 8,540), a Gemset Tawiz Pendant (Lot 5, estimate: INR 6 – 8 lakhs; USD 7,320 – 9,760), a Gemset Turra or Turban Ornament (Lot 9, estimate: INR 2.5 – 4.5 lakhs; USD 3,050 – 5,490), a Set Of Period Gemset Maang Tika or Forehead Ornament (Lot 11, estimate: INR 2.8 – 3.8 lakhs; USD 3,415 – 4,635), a Period Gemset Maang Tika or Forehead Ornament (Lot 21, estimate: INR 2.2 – 3.2 lakhs; USD 2,685 – 3,905), and period collectibles such as a Silver Thewa Box (Lot 91, estimate: INR 3.8 – 4.8 lakhs; USD 4,635 – 5,855) and a Set of Three Thewa Boxes (Lot 92, estimate: INR 80,000 – 1.2 lakhs; USD 980 – 1,465).
Capturing the timeless brilliance of rubies, diamonds, and other precious gemstones is a Gemset Necklace (Lot 18, estimate: INR 16 – 18 lakhs; USD 19,515 – 21,955) that centres on a floral design set with ruby and diamond polkis, and a Gemset Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Necklace (Lot 67, estimate: INR 18.5 – 22.5 lakhs; USD 22,565 – 27,440) featuring rose-cut diamonds suspending a fringe of emeralds, rubies, and seed pearls, attached to a cord with pearls.
Offering the perfect blend of luxury and exceptional value are three Burmese ruby lots: An Important Pair of Burmese Ruby And Diamond Earrings (Lot 50, estimate: INR 45 – 55 lakhs; USD 54,880 – 67,075), A Magnificent Pair of Burmese Ruby and Diamond Earrings (Lot 99, estimate: INR 80 lakhs – 1.2 crores; USD 97,565 – 146,345), and a Burmese Ruby and Diamond Brooch (Lot 39, estimate: INR 35 – 45 lakhs; USD 42,685 – 54,880)
The sale also features four Art Deco works, including two designer pieces by renowned maisons, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. These embody the elegance and innovation of the captivating movement, which emerged during the early 20th century, through striking geometric shapes and luxurious materials. Among these lots are an Art Deco Diamond Brooch by Cartier (Lot 100, estimate: INR 17-19 lakhs; USD 20,735 – 23,175), an Art Deco Diamond Clip Brooch (Lot 101, estimate: INR 14 – 18 lakhs; USD 17,075 – 21,955), an Art Deco Diamond Watch Brooch (Lot 102, estimate: INR 8 – 10 lakhs; USD 9,760 – 12,200), and an Art Deco Diamond Watch Pendant by Tiffany & Co. (Lot 103, estimate: INR 7.5 – 9.5 lakhs; USD 9,150 – 11,590).
Also part of the auction is magnificent Kutch silverware, which first earned widespread acclaim during the latter half of the 19th century for its intricate yet harmonious patterning and outstanding craftsmanship. Significant lots include a Set of Three: Silver Tea Set (Lot 78, estimate: INR 1.2 – 1.8 lakhs; USD 1,465 – 2,200), a Silver Tray (Lot 79, estimate: INR 60,000 – 1.2 lakhs; USD 735 – 1,465), and a Silver Box (Lot 80, estimate: INR 40,000 – 80,000; USD 490 – 980). This prestige that Kutch silver garnered can in part be attributed to the work of Oomersi Mawji, a virtuoso silversmith whose superlative technique and mastery of form and decoration invited international recognition. Our auction features two works from the artisan’s workshops, a Silver Travel Soap Box by Oomersi Mawji (Lot 81, estimate: INR 80,000 – 1.2 lakhs; USD 980 – 1,465) that bears the royal crest of Baroda on its lid, and a Silver Basket by Oomersi Mawji (Lot 82, estimate: INR 1.25 – 2.25 lakhs; USD 1,525 – 2,745) designed with foliate and floral patterns with hunting scenes on four sides.
Commenting on the auction, Saffronart President and Co-founder Minal Vazirani said, “The works from our upcoming online auction of Fine Jewels and Silver are meticulously curated to highlight the very best of jewellery practices and innovation. The sale features a stunning collection of period pieces, rare gemstones, and designs that effortlessly merge Indian aesthetics with international trends. Each piece has been carefully selected by our team of experts to create an immersive experience of the timeless beauty of South Asian craftsmanship for collectors and connoisseurs alike.” The auction will take place on saffronart.com and will be preceded by viewings in New Delhi and Mumbai. All lots can be viewed on saffronart.com.
AUCTION DATES
Fine Jewels and Silver | 25-26 October 2023 on saffronart.com VIEWINGS NEW DELHI Viewings 5 – 11 October 2023 11 am – 7 pm, Monday to Saturday 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday
Venue The Oberoi Dr Zakir Hussain Marg New Delhi 110003
To make an appointment
www.saffronart.com
