WHAT's ON got a sneak preview of Saffronart's Online Auction of Fine Jewels 2009 scheduled for April 15 and 16, showcasing 180 pieces estimated at Rs 8.6 crores
WHAT's ON got a sneak preview of Saffronart's Online Auction of Fine Jewels 2009 scheduled for April 15 and 16, showcasing 180 pieces estimated at Rs 8.6 crores
For those of you who miss the earth shattering sound of a gavel signalling the conclusion of an item sell at an auction house, invest in an online game to give you the thrills when you bid for something precious, something covet. For the rest, who have serious electronic money, log onto the Saffronart website and bid for fine jewels with a bling...er click.
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A ruby, emerald and diamond dhol necklace and a pair of coloured diamond ear clips |
What we saw on display at the media preview had us pointedly carrying a halo over our heads in which you could read aspirations of moonlighting as jewel thieves. If there is any way that notion can be thwarted, it is with the dulcet voice of Minal Vazirani, President and co-founder of Saffronart declaring that most of the jewellery on display is affordable. "Under five lakhs," is her tip between the tea cup and her polite sip. "This online auction has fine crafted traditional, and some very art nouveau jewellery starting as low as Rs 25, 000," she adds. Online enthusiasts, get ready to roll in.
Art Deco shringar Natural pearls, delicate Jadau and Minakari pieces share space with rock crystal filigreed with diamonds and plique-a-jour enamel rosettes encrusted on a necklace. Design houses Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, Tiffany and David Webb are part of this auction where 180 pieces estimated at Rs 8.6 crores are featured.
"Although Indians are fond of heavy gold jewelry, we have tried to show a style that's wearable, affordable and modern in approach," Dinesh Vazirani, CEO Saffronart, chips in.
Indian jewellery designers H. Ajoomal, Smriti Bohra and Shaill Jhaveri have also contributed to the lot. Smriti Bohra's designs take a cue from Indian musical instruments, with dhols and sarangis taking centre stage in neck pieces and earrings. There's a whole range of polki work pendants set with gemstones, ruby bracelets, kundan-thewa-mina work jhumkas to choose from. The online catalogue is comprehensive and likely to leave you starry-eyed.
Pre-register to start bidding at www.saffronart.com.
Bidding starts on April 15 at 9 am; April 16 at 10.30pm (last bid).
Call Punya Nagpal 24322898 for details
