Saffronart, the world’s largest online fine-art auction house will conduct its Autumn Auction of Fine Jewels and Watches on October 13th and 14th, 2010 on www.saffronart.com. The only auction house dealing in fine jewelry in India, Saffronart brings together a superb selection of important emeralds, breathtaking diamonds, impressive natural pearl necklaces, traditional Indian pieces, exceptional limited edition watches as well as signed pieces from international jewelry houses. All the 196 pieces are estimated competitively, making this a unique opportunity for jewelry collectors to acquire important pieces at great value.
Since the company’s inaugural auction of Fine Jewels and Watches in October 2008, Saffronart has created new benchmarks in the Indian jewelry auction market, offering a platform that features exquisite jewels from around the world, and high value collectibles to Indian and international audiences.
Some of the highlights of this auction, which will interest connoisseurs, collectors and first-time buyers include a magnificent pair of 42 carat Colombian emerald and diamond ear pendants, a majestic diamond necklace, an exquisite three-strand natural salt water pearl necklace, and a unique enamel and gold pocket watch by Patek Philippe.
Co-founder and President of Saffronart, Minal Vazirani says, “This autumn, Saffronart’s sale is a compilation of both jewels and watches. An exclusive collection where traditional meets contemporary, the jewels included in the auction will appeal to the tastes of collectors around the world for both important stones and design. The 196 lots on offer ranging from rare and important diamonds and gemstones, to signed and period jewels are exceptionally well estimated.”
“There are several distinct pieces in this sale, including a collection of signed pieces by Fred Leighton that have been created with India as the inspiration, a large collection of unique and editioned pocket and wristwatches and important gemstones presented in a variety of unique designs, including necklaces and rings,” Minal Vazirani added.
One of the most significant collections in this catalogue is the highly coveted selection of signed pieces by Fred Leighton. Often referred to as the “jeweler to the stars,” Fred Leighton has dressed countless Hollywood celebrities in important diamonds, signed designer pieces, and historically significant jewels for what have often been show stopping red carpet appearances. Fred Leighton’s jewelry has been synonymous with fine estate pieces, high quality workmanship and an unparalleled statement of individual style and elegance. For the very first time in India, this Saffronart auction will feature a collection of signed pieces by Fred Leighton that have been created with India as the inspiration, underscoring India’s jewelry traditions and legacy as one of the oldest and finest in the world - presenting a truly unique opportunity for wearers and collectors to acquire an exceptional piece of timeless glamour and history.
This year, the auction will also feature the largest collection of timepieces to be sold by auction in India. This important collection of vintage and contemporary wrist and pocket watches for men and women includes limited editions as well as one-of-a-kind pieces. The sale features timepieces from prestigious international watchmakers like Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Van Cleef & Arpels and caters to the discerning tastes of watch collectors and aficionados in India and worldwide.
More From This Section
Also amongst the lots on offer at this auction are several pieces exclusively designed for men, including unique cufflinks set with precious and semiprecious stones, jacket buttons and complete dress sets. Both contemporary and timeless, this exquisite range of men’s jewels set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other gemstones has been hand-selected by Saffronart to accommodate every aesthetic.
The 2010 Autumn Online Auction of Fine Jewels and Watches strengthens Saffronart’s place at the forefront of the fine jewelry and watches auction market in India. The auction is accompanied by a handsomely illustrated catalogue and exclusive preview events and private viewings in Hong Kong, Mumbai and New York. The sale will take place online on October 13th and 14th. Collectors may place bids at Saffronart’s website www.saffronart.com, or via Saffronart’s proprietary Blackberry and iPhone mobile applications.
About Saffronart
A global company with deep Indian roots, Saffronart was founded in 2000 on the strength of a private passion. Remaining committed to this passion and personal values, today Saffronart is a strong and successful international business that both embraces and drives change.
With ten years of experience in auctioning Indian art online, Saffronart is committed to serving the growing community of Indian collectors, while also creating a cultural bridge to India for both the global Indian diaspora and the international community at large. Providing a platform that enables access to view, purchase and become involved in the development of Indian art and jewelry globally, Saffronart has set global benchmarks for online auctions and was recently the subject of a case study at Harvard Business School. In October 2008, Saffronart extended its unique online auction platform to host its inaugural sale of Fine Jewels and Watches, adding a new dimension to its online and market presence.
In April 2010, Saffronart leveraged its online presence and global reach to introduce a new product – Prime Properties. Through print and online catalogues of luxury city apartments and holiday homes for sale, Prime Properties offers clients a selection of the most exclusive properties available in India.
Saffronart recently became the first fine art auction house globally to launch a mobile bidding application available for devices such as Blackberrys, Nokias and the Apple iPhone. This mobile application gives users unprecedented access to Saffronart’s auctions and underlines Saffronart’s leadership in leveraging technology to raise the standards of the auction experience.
With online auctions, a host of technology enabled services for clients, and a global presence in Mumbai, New York and London, Saffronart has broadened and simplified access to Indian art and jewelry, and now, real estate. Also involved with various institutions, organizations and publications, the company is driven by an endeavour to provide accurate and timely information on Indian artists, designers, events and trends.