We regularly report with excitement on the latest developments in India's ever-growing collectibles markets, here at Paul Fraser Collectibles. The latest being that an auction of "unusual jewellery" is set to shine in Bangalore, held by Bid & Hammer on January 30.
The auction is Bid & Hammer's first-ever auction in this category, and only the firm's 10th overall, offering 128 lots. Estimates in the sale are greatly varied, ranging from Rs.15,000 (approximately US$283) to Rs.75m (around US$141,510).
Officially titled 'Jewellery & Indian Silver', the sale will offer a number of unique items. Among them is a 'neck to navel' necklace, broaches of European style crafted by Indian jewellers in the 1930s, and traditional Rajasthani, Gujarati and south-Indian period jewellery worn by royalty.
Expect to see gem stones, pieces studded with diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies and gold among the auction's coveted jewellery materials. Also for sale are various silver and silver plated objects like Paandaans (small boxes with fitted spoons for storing ingredients) and miniature toys.
 This 'neck to navel' necklace is for sale, usually worn by Royalty |
According to Bid & Hammer, most pieces in the sale have been handcrafted. Some depict Indian mythological subjects, hand chiselled and engraved "with the finest perfection."
"For centuries jewels have been the most precious and cherished objects of desire sought after by all sections of mankind from Maharajas to the common man on the street," said Mr Maher Dadha, auction specialist and Chairman and Managing Director of Bid & Hammer.
"Even in today's day and age, jewellery is a desirable object for both security and status. Hence Bid & Hammer have endeavoured to bring together a wide selection with realistic estimates for a wider collector base [the] world over."
Bid & Hammer's 'Jewellery & Indian Silver' auction follows its Antiquarian Books, Maps, Prints & Photographs sale which took place in October 2011. That auction achieved 57% sales overall, with 25% of the lots sold above the estimates.
