Watches and period jewellery up for Spring auction

New Delhi, Mar 31: Avid jewellery enthusiasts can look forward to add to their collection of rare period jewels, vintage accesories or a selection of timepieces in the forthcoming Saffronart auction.

The sale to be held on April 6 and April 7 is offering important period pieces including a regal pearl, ruby and diamond ''panchlara'' or five-strand necklace, an intricately designed South Indian ruby and diamond ''jada nagam'' or braid ornament, and a majestic pair of ''polki'' diamond and enamel ''kada'' bangles, the auction house said in a statement.

A collection of 120 competitively estimated lots, with a total sale estimate of Rs 8.2 crore to Rs 9.9 crore (USD 1.8 to 2.2 million) is up for bidding on the online fine-art auction house''s website www.saffronart.com as well as through its mobile bidding application, empowering collectors to bid on jewelry on-the-go.

Other significant lots are a seven-strand natural pearl necklace, a cuff set with rubies and diamond over a Keshi pearl mesh, and several rings set with important gems including certified rubies and emeralds.

"This season''s catalogue includes a wide selection of vintage and period pieces, as well as a significant collection of timepieces by respected watchmakers like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin," says President and Co-founder of Saffronart, Minal Vazirani.

Among the highlights of the collection of timepieces for men and women include a 1970 Patek Philippe ''Ricochet'' white gold pocket watch with fob, an Art-Deco nephrite and enameled silver desk clock by Cartier from the 1920s, and a Vacheron Constantin ''Patrimony Power Reserve'' gold wristwatch.

"The lots have been attractively estimated, and as a whole, they reflect a combination of uniqueness, historical value and superior craftsmanship.

"From important rubies and emeralds and strings of natural pearls to rare period jewelry, our Spring Auction presents an appealing range of lots for both established collectors and new buyers" says Vazirani.

Since its inaugural jewelry auction in October 2008, Saffronart has created several new benchmarks in the Indian jewelry auction market, offering a platform that features exquisite jewels and high value collectibles from around the world to Indian and international audiences.

PTI