|
Gold rush |
|
By: Soumya Mukerji |
|
Date:
2008-10-06 |
|
Place: Delhi |
|
|
Combine festive fervour with great art and stunning solitaires, and pure indulgence is on your platter. What could possibly be a better time to set your eyes on rare, rich jewellery than this time of the year, and what's stopping you from roving an eye if all it takes to get charmed and armed is a couple of keyboard clicks? Auction powerhouse Saffronart has decided to cash in on the celebratory spirit and introduce the first ever public jewellery auction to India, using the easiest mode of access the Internet. Here's a lowdown on what to expect from the grand affair.
Sparkling spread
Move over branded, star-endorsed jewellery; here's a screen that let's you gaze at opulent ornaments which are exclusive in the truest sense of the word. On view are limited edition pieces by contemporary designers, wonder watches, striking gemstone-set pieces and several unmounted diamonds including a 42.02 carat natural yellow solitaire the largest coloured Forevermark diamond to be offered for sale at a public auction worldwide, apart from fantasy crystal collections of cufflinks, pendants, rings, anklets and necklaces.
Art nouveau
Subscribing to the modern school of thought that supports art as a part of everyday life, this project puts forth a novel idea both in terms of business and aesthetics. Aimed at creating a connection between India, the wide Indian diaspora and the global community of designers, collectors and consumers, Saffronart's new model has inspired Harvard Business School to conduct a study on online auctioning. "This is an endeavour to go beyond the conventional norm of consulting a jeweller to buy and sell. One can browse through the best work effortlessly, and authenticity is assured," says founder Dinesh Vazirani, who hopes for an enthusiastic response from North Indians. Accompanied by an illustrated catalogue, the bid will be followed by events aimed at raising awareness about India's critical position in the global jewellery market.
Heritage high
The sale is infused with enough splendour to make you forget about the loss of the majestic Kohinoor for a while. Replete with traditional artwork and folk finesse, the exhibits include strands of large natural pearls cherished by generations of Indian royalty for their exceptional lustre, a magnificent necklace of 372 matched natural pearls in a seven-strand cascade, a large and intricate table-cut diamond, faceted spinel sarpech or turban ornaments and exquisite necklaces of diamonds, natural rubies and emerald drops that have survived centuries or derive inspiration from age-old design. Chances are, you'd be so mesmerised, you'd want to turn jewel thief!
|
|
|
