Hollywood star jeweller’s India-inspired works on auction
By IANSSunday, October 10, 2010
NEW DELHI - Often referred to as the “stars’ jeweller”, Fred Leighton has decked countless Hollywood actresses. Now, online auction house Saffronart will offer an India-inspired collection by the designer.
The Mumbai-based online auction house will auction a collection of signed pieces by Fred Leighton Oct 13-14 in its ‘Autumn Online Auction of Fine Jewels and Watches’.
Saffronart co-founder and president Minal Vazirani said: “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 pocket and wrist watches and important gemstones presented in a variety of unique designs like necklaces and rings.”
The signed jewellery collection includes diamond and coral dress sets, onyx and ruby cufflinks, diamond and enamel cufflinks, an emerald-ruby and diamond bazuband (arm band) and several fusion necklaces.
The 196 lots on offer range from rare and important diamonds and gemstones to signed and period jewels, Vazirani said.
They are competitively estimated between Rs.14.6 crore (over $3.2 million) and Rs.17.6 crore.
The designer’s Hollywood clientele includes Maggie Gyllenhaal who wore a Fred Leighton 1940s diamond cuff bracelet at the 82nd Oscar Awards ceremony and Meryl Streep who sported a magnificent Fred Leighton art-deco diamond and onyx bracelet at the same occasion.
Sarah Jessica Parker once wore a 1950s diamond swirl bracelet by the designer. Michael Douglas gave Catherine Zeta-Jones an antique 10-carat marquise-cut Fred Leighton diamond engagement ring.
The Saffronart auction highlights include a selection of emeralds, breathtaking diamonds, traditional and contemporary Indian jewellery as well as impressive natural pearl necklaces.
The sale also features the largest collection of watches to be sold by an auction in India - including one of a kind Patek Phillipe and limited edition Audemars Piguet timepieces, Vazirani said.
