MUMBAI.- AstaGuru Auction House recently concluded their ‘Heirloom Jewellery, Silver, and Timepieces’ auction on May 30th and 31st. The auction featured a stellar collection that showcased classic aesthetics with 132 lots and garnered a total revenue of INR 17,92,62,210 (USD 2,390,142).

The jewellery section offered traditional Indian jewellery, western-style jewellery, and pieces executed with gemstones including natural pearls, Burmese rubies, Zambian emeralds, and high-quality diamonds.

The sale was led by an exquisite three-row natural pearl necklace which was acquired at an amount of INR 6,24,91,000 (USD 833,213). The necklace comprises three rows of graduated natural, salt-water pearls interspaced with faceted crystal discs along with a gold clasp set with old cut diamonds. It also featured on the cover of the auction catalogue. This beautiful necklace of natural pearls in two different shades is an extremely rare find due to its size. It also comes with an SSEF certificate. (Natural Pearl weight: 2485.73 chau / 181 pcs)

“The auction results validate that collectors are always looking for such opportunities to acquire coveted vintage jewellery which are very rare to come by. With several necklaces and other beautiful pieces, the auction offering was a wholesome selection of different items that go into the making of any important heirloom jewellery collection. The success of the auction also reinforces that whether Indian or western designs, vintage jewellery is evergreen and timeless. It is a prized possession that remains highly sought after,” says Jay Sagar, Jewellery Expert, AstaGuru Auction House.

Another five-row natural pearl necklace executed with 453 pieces of graduated natural pearls was acquired at INR 1,48,00,500 (USD 197,340). The necklace features Art Deco gold terminals set with diamonds. (Natural Pearl weight : 619.50 chau / 448 pcs)

A beautiful four-row necklace executed with intense red Burmese ruby beads from the historic mines of Mogok was sold at a price of INR 1,71,91,350 (USD 229,218). Rubies, especially those originating from Burma, are an extremely popular kind of gemstone owing to their striking red hue and rarity.

The collection also offered some brilliant examples of classic western jewellery.

Leading global jewellery brand, Cartier has been synonymous with luxury and elegance for more than 170 years. A diamond necklace by the jewellery house was acquired at an impressive value of INR 90,92,061 (USD 121,227). Executed circa 1990, this beautiful necklace comprises three rows of bezel-set diamonds in white gold. A pendant is also attached to the necklace.




An old European cut diamond Rivière executed in a French style was sold at a value of INR 40,07,520 (USD 53,434). The necklace is composed of gemstones that match in shape and size.

A charming old European cut diamond ring was acquired at INR 33,81,345 (USD 45,085). The ring is set in 18k gold with an old European cut cushion shaped diamond, centred by eight old cut diamonds.

A fascinating horology collection with pieces from the world’s leading watchmaking brands was also showcased at the auction.

Jehangir Readymoney, Luxury Watch Expert at AstaGuru Auction House states that, “The auction presented a very interesting collection which was diverse not only in terms of pieces by leading brands but also for its variety. Different styles of timepieces ranging from vintage watches, dress watches, as well as state-of-the-art pieces sorts watches were offered to the collectors.”


A Limelight Tonneau Shaped Diamond Wristwatch by Piaget was acquired at INR 56,92,500 (USD 75,900). The timepiece features an inverted tonneau-shaped case in 18k solid white gold set with 86 brilliant-cut diamonds. Another watch by Piaget, an 18k White Gold & Diamond Polo Large Wristwatch was acquired at INR 33,01,650 (USD 44,022).

Another ornamental timepiece by Chopard, an exquisite A L'Heure Du Diamant Oval Wristwatch with a rose gold case was sold at INR 30,30,687 (USD 40,409).

A beautiful selection of fine hallmarked silver pieces was also offered for sale. A stylish custom-made wash basin with a cylindrical body resting on a tapered stem was sold at a value of INR 27,51,286 (USD 36,683).

The auction was held on May 30-31, 2022.