14/06/2025 General News
The sun is out, the sunnies are on, and the holiday plans are settled. As the heat rises in the city, Azca Auctions has a dazzling selection of jewellery ready to tempt you with a last cheeky bid before you dash off for the summer.
In June, Azca Auctions is proud to present two specialist sales, Arts of India and the Islamic Lands (June 19th) and Watches and Jewellery (June 26th), both of which have several show-stopping pieces of 19th and 20th century jewellery.
Viewing times:
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
Watches and Jewellery
21st June - 11:00 - 16:00
22nd June - 11:00 - 16:00
23rd June - 10:00 - 17:00
24th June - 10:00 - 17:00
25th June - 10:00 - 17:00
Our specialists have selected a few of their favourite lots. Read more about them below.
Beatrice chose lots 261, a pair of 19th-century Qajar polychrome-painted enamel gold earrings, and 263, a Mughal-revival seven-strand seed pearls and spinel beads necklace from Northern India, dating from the late 19th – early 20th century.
↑ Lot 261. A PAIR OF QAJAR POLYCHROME-PAINTED ENAMEL GOLD EARRINGS. Qajar Iran, second half 19th century. £1,500 - £2,500
“I am very fond of Qajar jewellery. I find it so delicate and precious, but also very colourful and wearable. It rarely comes with precious stones, but the polychrome enamel is a worthy replacement, and it doesn’t give you the heartbreak of missing a stone when the setting gets loose.” This pair of earrings was a treasured gift in a family collection, commissioned in Iran by the present vendor's mother over sixty years ago as part of her daughter's bridal jewellery set. The condition is impeccable and the style is very typical of 19th-century Iran.
“I might be bias, but lot 263 is one of my favourites in the whole sale. A client of mine described is as the necklace of pomegranate seeds, and a young visitor viewing the sale exhibition on Father’s Day said the rows of spinels looked like Gummy Bears. One way or another, the overall design is simply exquisite. Spinels are very sought-after gems in Indian jewellery and they were the preferred stone of Mughal emperors.” With an estimate of £10,000 – 15,000, this necklace features almost 1000ct of ruby red spinels and two very elegant triangular openwork 19th-century gold clasps, the front encrusted with faceted polki diamonds and a cabochon ruby in the centre in the design of a flower.
↑ Lot 263. A MUGHAL-REVIVAL SEVEN-STRAND SEED PEARLS AND SPINEL BEADS NECKLACE. Northern India, late 19th - 20th century. £10,000 - £15,000
In the Watches and Jewellery auction, there are plenty more lots to see. Among the favourites of Tomas Jose Aznar Gonzalez, there are lots 18 and 20.
“Both lots come from a prominent private European collection, and they immediately jump out for their classical design and evergreen style, making them an ideal choice for not only vintage jewellery collectors but also for special occasion gifts, such as anniversaries and engagements.”
Lot 18 is set with an iridescent pearl in the centre, likely an Akoya or freshwater cultured pearl, typical of mid-to-late 20th century European and North American jewellery. The surrounding brilliant-cut diamonds add timeless sparkle.
↑ Lot 18. A 14K WHITE GOLD CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING.Set with a 9.3mm white cultured pearl within a halo of twelve brilliant-cut diamonds, circa 1970s. £800 - £1,200
Lot 20 is another great find, with the traditional marquise-cut sapphire in the centre. Although the design might be defined as antiquated by some, the brilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders and flared stepped mount, creating a radiant effect reminiscent of classic Art Deco and late 20th-century revival designs.
↑ Lot 20. A 18K WHITE GOLD MARQUISE-CUT SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND COCKTAIL RING. Set with a deep blue marquise-cut sapphire flanked by triple rows of brilliant-cut diamonds, circa 1980s. £800 - £1,200
If you are passionate about jewellery or on the hunt for a unique find, don’t miss these auctions.