AstaGuru auction ‘The Exceptionals’ pays homage to craftsmanship

Team L&M

AstaGuru’s upcoming auction, The Exceptionals,  will feature a stunning collection of jewellery, vintage silver, and rare timepieces. The jewellery selection includes both traditional Indian and Western-style designs, showcasing natural pearls, Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, and extraordinary diamonds. Also highlighted are creations by renowned Western brands like Cartier and Pomellato, alongside pieces influenced by the Art Deco movement. The silver collection reflects masterful craftsmanship from India and Europe, with many pieces over a century old that retain both beauty and functionality. The horology section presents an impressive array of watches from world-leading brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Hubolt, Breguet, A. Lange & Söhne and others, offering a mix of vintage, dress, and modern timepieces.

Talking about the jewellery section of the catalogue, Jay Sagar, Jewellery Expert, AstaGuru Auction House says, “We take immense pleasure in offering a phenomenal curation of jewellery that are impeccably executed with exquisite gemstones such as Zambian and Colombian emeralds, natural pearls, magnificent diamonds and rare Burmese rubies. Each of these pieces are testament to the craftsmanship of modern and vintage jewellery. The selection offered is ideal for any collector, new and seasoned alike, with a variety of minimalist and opulent pieces.”

Lot no. 74 is An Exquisite Zambian Emerald & Diamond Set estimated to be sold at INR 2,95,00,000 – 3,50,00,000. The two row necklace is set in 18k yellow gold with an exceptional

selection of large Zambian emeralds, inter-spaced with yellow pear shaped diamonds. The necklace is accompanied with a pair of matching ear pendants. Another impressive set, Lot no. 71, is A Unique Ruby & Diamond Set comprising a necklace and a pair of matching ear pendants, set in gold with princess cut rubies, ruby baguettes, ruby cabochons, diamonds, diamond baguettes and black onyx. This lot is estimated at INR 2,10,00,000 – 2,35,00,000.

An exquisite Zambian Emerald & Diamond Set (l) and a unique Ruby & Diamond set

Lot no. 49 is A Magnificent Emerald Bead Necklace estimated to be acquired at INR 3,73,15,000 – 4,50,00,000. The three row Zambian emerald bead necklace, comprising 211 perfectly shaped and finely matched graduating emerald beads strung together with a chedia.

An Important Ruby Drop & Diamond set, Lot no. 42, comprises a necklace and a pair of matching ear pendants. Set in gold, the elegant three row necklace is designed as a single row of diamonds culminating with a fringe of Burmese ruby drops. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 1,41,75,000 – 1,50,00,000. Another exquisite set, Lot no. 32 is An Important Ruby & Diamond Suite comprising a necklace, a pair of ear pendants and a pair of bangles, set in 18k gold. The suite featuring rare Burmese rubies is estimated to be sold at INR 1,96,87,000 – 2,10,00,000.

Magnificent Emerald bead necklace (l), a unique Ruby drop & Diamond set and a Ruby & Diamond suite 

Speaking on the rare and unique timepieces showcased in the upcoming auction, Jehangir Readymoney, AstaGuru’s Luxury Timepiece Expert & Curator, states, “Luxury and vintage watches have always been immensely popular amongst collectors but we have seen an exponential rise in interest & demand in the recent past. Catering to the collectors’ needs, we are excited to offer a vast selection of limited edition and hard to find watches from brands that are lauded for their history, iconic designs and craftsmanship. These pieces are not only for seasoned watch enthusiasts who already have an established collection but also for those who are looking to begin their collection with a rare & iconic state-of-the-art watch.”

Lot no. 166 is a Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Nautilus Wristwatch Ref No. 3710//1 (Power Reserve) estimated to be acquired at INR 57,75,000 – 77,75,000. The watch features a black dial consisting of white gold Roman numeral hour markers, giving the timepiece a distinctive face.

Lot no. 112 is a Rolex 18k Rose Gold Daytona Wristwatch Ref No. 116505 featuring a chocolate brown dial and sub-dials in a contrasting darker tone. Surrounding the dial is an 18k rose gold engraved bezel. The lot is estimated to be sold for INR 41,75,000 – 46,75,000

Another extraordinary piece by Rolex, Lot no. 148 is a Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Datejust ‘Pearl-Master’ Wristwatch Ref No. 81159 (MOP-Flame), estimated at INR 38,00,000 – 48,00,000. It features a striking Mother of Pearl dial, and an 18k yellow gold bezel adorned with diamonds, tapering on the lugs and artistically set on the bracelet.

Lot no. 92 is a Patek Philippe 18k White Gold & Diamond Baguette set Calatrava Wristwatch Ref No. 4897/300G. Estimated to be sold at INR 30,00,000 – 38,00,000. The dial has a striking guilloche midnight blue dial with elegant elongated 18k white gold hour markers.

Another example of the brand’s exemplary craftsmanship is Lot no. 144, a Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Moon Phase Complication Wristwatch. Estimated to be acquired at INR 28,00,000 – 34,00,000, the watch features an elegant blue dial on which the bezel stands out like stars in the night sky.

Leading the exquisite selection of vintage silver is Lot no. 80 – An Italian 7-Light Floor Candelabrum by Brandimarte, Italy. The exceptionally detailed candelabrum features cherubs holding floral garlands and eagles atop each candlestick holder, while the base features ram heads and three lion paw feet resting on the base. This lot is estimated at INR 50,00,000 – 60,00,000.

An English Hallmark Cutlery Set by D & J Wellby, London, Lot no. 91, will also be showcased in auction. Estimated to be sold at INR 15,50,000 – 17,50,000, the set comprises 163 pieces of varied spoons, knives and forks, ideal for 12 people.

ON October 22-23