Jewels Du Jour

In conversation with Alexandra Yasmina Roy, Sotheby’s Specialist in Islamic and Indian Art, on their age-old collection of fine Nizami jewels and how they are rare finds for a bride.

- Nirja Dutt

There is something evocative about vintage jewellery. We associate it with much more than just gems or design as it becomes a house of memories. Alexandra Yasmina Roy of Sotheby’s, too, has always had a soft corner for these creations. She studied art history in both the United States and London, earning a Bacherlor’s degree in the subject from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, the US, and a Master’s in Byzantine Art and its interaction with Islamic empires from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, the UK. The recent ‘Arts of the Islamic World’ auction that took place in Sotheby’s London, captured Roy’s strength in researching and cataloguing the works of art that encapsulate the best of rare heritage pieces from India’s rich Islamic history. On display were pieces like the rare drawing of the Taj Mahal by Thomas Loncroft, a selection of precious gem-sets, and enamelled jewels from India, and more. Here, edited excerpts of our conversation with the connoisseur. BRIDES TODAY: WHERE ARE THESE PIECES PROCURED FROM?