As a fourth-generation jeweller, Jay Sagar’s introduction to the world of gemstones was almost like his first lesson in life. From a young age of four, his holidays were spent amongst precious gemstones, heirloom jewellery, and rare watches that inculcated in him a greater appreciation for the craft.

A rich family history of jewellers also entailed that Jay Sagar started his apprentice straight from college with visits to the family ateliers and stores daily and taking on responsibilities from a young age. It is this interest and understanding that led Jay Sagar to his current role as the jewellery specialist at AstaGuru, India’s premier online auction house. We talk to the jewellery expert on finding rare stones, buying heirloom pieces, and the whys and hows of auctioning.

A jewellery anecdote you love sharing?
 

I’ve had the good fortune to see a lot of excellent vintage jewellery, but there was an incident which was particularly amusing. I was at a friend’s place for a jewellery valuation, and I needed a pencil to make a few notes. My friend handed me a pen stand, and when I took the pencil out, the stand fell and out came some 10-15 green coloured marbles. But they weren’t just marbles; they were old-mined Colombian emerald beads. My friend had no idea that these were emeralds, and for years, he assumed they were just glass marbles. After that incident, I had the gems cleaned and then strung. They’re now an important part of their jewellery collection.