Necklaces have continued as a major jewellery attraction for numerous millennia. In the current times, necklaces studded with precious gemstones have become a vogue due to their exquisite beauty and timeless appeal. In its upcoming ‘Heirloom Jewellery, Silver, and Timepieces’ auction, AstaGuru will present a beautiful assortment of necklaces that represents the jewellery heritage of India and well as the western world. The splendid collection of vintage jewellery has been finely curated to intrigue both seasoned and budding collectors. In the run-up to the auction scheduled on May 30-31, 2022 AstaGuru’s jewellery specialist Jay Sagar tells us his favourite necklaces from the collection.
Lot No. 48
An Important Diamond, Natural Pearl & Emerald Drop Choker & Ear Pendants
An elegant diamond, natural pearl, and emerald drop choker presented with matching ear pendants. The flexible choker executed circa 1960 consists of finely matched emerald beads and diamonds, and is designed as a series of square-shaped panels set in gold with large rose cut diamonds. The fringe of the necklace consists of a natural pearls surmount, while the lower fringe consists of dangling emerald beads, natural pearls and diamonds. Tassels are crafted with natural pearls and emeralds.
The history of the choker, a close-fitting necklace worn around the neck, traces back to the world’s earliest civilisations such as Ancient Egypt and the Sumer empire in Mesopotamia. Often paired with other necklaces, in India chokers were favoured in particular by the women of the royal household of the Nizam of Hyderabad. An essential for an authentic heirloom jewellery collection, chokers are quintessential to revelling in royalty. They have also become a frequent feature of the Indian bridal trousseau.
Lot 130
An Elegant Five-row Natural Pearl Necklace
This elegance necklace consists of 453 pieces of graduated natural pearls that exude an even tone and are extremely well-matched. The necklace features Art Deco terminals set in gold with diamonds, accompanied with a diamond and diamond baguette clasp.
Called the ‘queen of gems', natural pearls have always enjoyed great significance in India owing to their prolific use by royals tracing back to the Mughal era. Several miniature paintings that have survived from the time depict Mughal emperors with long strings of pearls around their necks. In fact, as the legend goes Shah Jahan was a great connoisseur of natural pearls and envisioned the Taj Mahal as a ‘perfect pearl’ in tribute to his beloved queen.
Lot no. 25
An Important Natural Pearl & Ruby Bead Necklace
This beautiful necklace is composed of two most prized gemstones - natural pearls and rubies. It comprises three rows of graduated and well-matched natural pearls and two rows of graduated old-mine Burmese ruby beads. Affixed to an 18k gold clasp set with diamonds and rubies.
Embodying perfection and elegance, pearls are one of nature’s most beautiful gifts. With a rich history that traces back to ancient Egypt, pearls have always been prized possession of royalties and elites. In India, pearls were laid into jewels and crowns for maharajas and their queens. A rare treasure found in the deepest trenches of the oceans, pearls add a magical touch to a jewellery collection. Rubies, especially those originating from Burma, are an extremely popular kind of gemstone owing to their striking red hue and beguiling lustre. With their mesmerising mystique, the allure of old mine Burmese rubies have been loved among different cultures of the world. It has highlighted the glory of many royal crowns in India and the west. Emblematic of love and passion, these rubies are highly coveted by every jewellery connoisseur and gem cognoscente.
Lot No. 90
An Old European Cut Diamond Rivière
An old European-cut diamond Rivière. Executed in a French style, this necklace is composed of gemstones that match in shape and size and belong to the same family. A symbol of love, beauty, and brilliance, diamond ornaments are classy and exude an inimitable charm. Whether in an elaborate parure or presented in a minimalist suite with sombre pieces, diamonds can complement every look and ensemble. Given their elegance, diamonds are fundamental to any exquisite jewellery collection.
Lot no. 1
A Vintage Indian Spinel Necklace
This elegantly strung necklace consists of 26 spinel tumble beads interspersed with natural pearls and gold jadau pieces set with white sapphires. The size of the spinels in this necklace are very rare to come by in this particular transparency.
Touted as the next big gem, spinel tumble beads have fascinated collectors and are an essential for an exquisite jewellery collection. The beautiful vivid hue and elegant aura of spinel tumble beads even made them a favourite of the Maharajas of India.
AstaGuru’s upcoming ‘Heirloom Jewellery, Silver & Timepieces’ auction will unveil a different kind of limited edition. The stellar auction collection represents classic aesthetics with over 130 lots including vintage jewellery, hallmark silver collectables, as well as exceptional timepieces from top watch brands in the world. Please visit the AstaGuru website and register to bid today.
Copyright 2021 Astaguru. All Rights Reserved
