Vintage jewels, textiles at Saffronart auctions

The ‘Fine Jewels and Objets’ sale that will be held on October 18 – 19 features jewels that hark back to ‘an era of vintage and glamour.’ The jewellery sale includes important pieces created around European old cut diamonds, as well as traditional Indian jewellery techniques of meenakari and thewa seen from the Mughal era to present day.

Tasselled necklaces, objets including gold cigarette cases and holders, pill boxes, perfume dabbers, and fancy coloured stones, are among the highlights of the sale. A three-strand natural pearl necklace with exceptionally well-matched pearls leads the sale at Rs 2.8 – 3.2 crores. The collection includes gemstones like sapphires, rubies from the Mogok mines in Myanmar, and natural saltwater pearls, besides a spinel necklace; sapphire and diamond earrings; and a kunzite, pink sapphire and diamond ring.

“All pieces are attractively priced, offering buyers a unique opportunity to acquire quality jewels. Some lots, such as the sautoir, rings, pendants and earrings are suitable for everyday wear,” says Minal Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart. “Woven Treasures” of historical importance from textile historian Jasleen Dhamija’s collection, created over six decades will be up for sale on October 19 - 20. Dhamija (83) says that she wants the collection to be acquired by somebody who will preserve the antiques like she has been. The collection showcases the rich traditions of Iran, Central Asia and India, through opulent relics like Kashmiri Pashmina robes, Central Asian suzanis, Iranian kilims and Zoroastrian ritual sofrehs. Dhamija built her collection during her research and revival of textile traditions of India, Iran, Central Asia, South East Asia, the Balkans, and Africa.

Each piece has been selected for its technique, design, colours and meaning, she says. “Some were purchased in bazaars; others directly off a weaver’s loom and some are the first pieces from independent India’s revival efforts. “Many are no longer made, barely visible in the cultures they come from, their use and meaning almost forgotten,” says Dhamija.