The tradition of Indian jewellery is profound and fascinating which is as old as the Indian civilisation itself. Jewellery making and jewellery collecting in India has evolved through many phases and generations. This is what makes an heirloom jewellery collection so important. Every piece tells its own tale and has a legacy attached to it. Therefore acquiring a piece of vintage jewellery is like travelling back in time with a piece of heritage and history. However, it does take a considerable amount of thought and involvement to create an heirloom jewellery collection. AstaGuru is presenting a splendid collection of vintage jewellery that has been finely curated to intrigue both seasoned and budding collectors. AstaGuru’s jewellery specialist Jay Sagar tells us his favourite picks from the upcoming auction.

Lot No. 7:
AN IMPORTANT MULTI-GEM VINTAGE NATH:

One of the most romantic traditional jewellery that Indian women adorn themselves with, nath has made a comeback in recent times thanks to celebrity brides and fashion icons. Considered to have originated in India around the 8th century, the ‘nath’ was seen as a symbol of marital felicity and was gifted to the new bride by the husband. A beautiful example of this heritage jewellery is presented with a multi gem vintage nath set with Burmese ruby beads, rose-cut diamonds, natural pearls, and emeralds. Given the quality of the gemstones in the presented lot, it is highly plausible that this Nath was created for an important family.

Burmese Ruby Weight : 30.00 cts approx / 13 pcs | Diamond Weight : 2.25 cts approx / 16 pcs | Emerald Weight : 0.70 cts approx / 2 pcs | Pearl Weight : 2.00 cts approx / 13 pcs

Lot 26:
A SUITE OF VINTAGE BURMESE RUBY JEWELLERY

A fine example of Burmese ruby jewellery with a parure consisting of a necklace, a pair of bangles, and matching earrings set with old mine Burmese ruby beads, old European cut diamonds & calibre cut rubies. Such a collection of Burmese rubies is indeed rare to come by in the present era and would make for a great addition to one’s jewellery collection. With their striking red hue and beguiling lustre, Rubies are essential to complete a jewellery collection. The most popular kind of ruby, those originating from Burma have allured different cultures of the world through centuries. Introduced to Europe by the legendary explorer Marco Polo, a writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road in the 13th century, Burmese ruby has accentuated the glory of many royal crowns in India and the west.

Ruby Bead Weight : 300.00 cts approx / 1012 pcs Ruby Baguette Weight : 5.35 cts approx / 82 pcs Diamond Weight : 20.20 cts approx / 328 pcs

Lot 50:
AN IMPRESSIVE THREE ROW NATURAL PEARL NECKLACE

Throughout the history of Indian jewellery tradition, few gems have been considered as paramount as the pearl. A rare treasure found in the deepest trenches of the oceans, pearls were laid into jewels and crowns for maharajas and their queens. Presenting a beautiful example of a fine collection of natural pearls, a beautiful three-row necklace composed of 192 graduated natural pearls that exude an even tone and are well matched. Each natural pearl is interspaced with a seed pearl. The necklace is secured by an Art Deco platinum clasp set with old cut diamonds and diamond baguettes, while the Art Deco terminals are set with old cut diamonds. Embodying perfection and elegance, pearls add a magical touch to a jewellery collection.

Natural Pearl Weight : 545 chau / 192 pcs | Seed Pearl Weight : 15.62 cts | Natural Pearl Beads: 11.04 - 4.35 mm (largest to smallest) | Old Cut Diamond Weight : 1.45 cts approx / 57 pcs | Baguette Diamond Weight : 0.20 cts approx / 2 pcs.

Lot No. 16
AN IMPORTANT OLD MINE COLOMBIAN FLUTED EMERALD BEAD NECKLACE Historically known as the ‘Gem of Spring,’ the vibrant hues of emeralds have fascinated the world through ages. The discovery of Muzo mines in Colombia gave the world one of the most popular types of emerald. Travelling to the east via Spanish trade routes, old mine Colombian emerald became highly sought after by Indian royalties.

Presented is an impressive four-row old-mine Colombian fluted emerald bead necklace. Executed in circa 1930, the necklace made of these rare gemstones is affixed with a gold clasp and detailed enamel work. Cherished for its beauty, colour, and historical origin, a collection of old-mine Colombian fluted emerald beads as presented in the auction is rare to come by and a must for any collector.

Natural Pearl Weight : 545 chau / 192 pcs | Seed Pearl Weight : 15.62 cts Natural Pearl Beads : 11.04 - 4.35 mm (largest to smallest) | Old Cut Diamond Weight : 1.45 cts approx / 57 pcs | Baguette Diamond Weight : 0.20 cts approx / 2 pcs

Lot 12:
AN IMPORTANT FANCY VIVID ORANGE YELLOW DIAMOND RING A beautiful assortment of multi-coloured diamonds will be presented in the upcoming auction. One of these offerings is an exquisite fancy vivid orange-yellow diamond, set on a ring made with 18K white gold. The bright diamond is beautifully complemented by a halo of marquise-cut diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds. The presented lot is a stellar example of vivid fancy diamonds due to its extraordinary appeal. Vivid fancy diamonds exude outstanding beauty due to their colourful brightness and exceptional lustre. Embodying passion, wisdom, prosperity & joy, the deep enchanting fancy vivid gems are much preferred by diamond connoisseurs.

Fancy Vivid Orange Yellow Diamond Weight : 3.11 cts / 1 pc | White Marquise Diamond Weight: 4.07 cts / 37 pcs | White Round Diamond Weight : 0.13 cts / 16 pcs

The splendid collection of AstaGuru’s upcoming auction will include a beautiful medley of heirloom jewellery and precious collectables. The oldest lot in the auction is an antique gold snuff box attributed to the period Louis XV. Created circa 1770, the oval-shaped box has gold borders stamped and chased with flower heads and scrolling foliage. An assortment of traditional Indian jewellery will also be presented in the auction. Lot no 30 is an important vintage Jadau Aadiya necklace from Rajasthan with a green, white, red and blue beautiful enamel inlay on both sides. The necklace is set with table-cut diamonds, natural pearls and turquoise bead detailing. The extended chedia created with a formation of twisted natural pearls is synonymous with traditional Rajasthani jewellery. Indian jewellery made of gold, the quintessential and revered precious metal in India, is also a part of the auction. Lot no. 38 is a long ball chain featuring a traditional Rawa design, in which tiny gold balls are deftly interconnected. The lot also includes a pair of attractive gold jhumkhas, crafted with great detailing. A part of the Indian jewellery tradition for a long time, Rawa designs are made with granulation technique in which tiny granules of precious metals, primarily gold, are strung together in a linear or geometric pattern

Owing to the uniqueness of all the lots put together, the upcoming auction includes pieces that are truly ‘a different kind of limited edition’ in their own rights. Titled ‘‘Heirloom Jewellery, Silver, and Timepieces’ the auction is scheduled to be held on October 26-27, 2021.