LHA PURSUITS | Smitha Sadanandan

Journalist and Jewelry Aficionado

Smitha Sadanandan is an accomplished journalist with an international reputation for successfully tracking trends in the jewelry industry. She relocated from London to Chicago a year ago and is eager to explore the cultural landmarks in the Windy City and throughout America. Smitha writes on travel, lifestyle, design, jewelry and watches for several publications, including  Adorn, Azyaamode, Solitaire Asia Pacific, Solitaire International, The Adventurine, Upscale Living Magazine and Luxe-BusinessLine.

We asked Smitha to choose her favorites from our upcoming August 27 auction: Important Jewelry.

Lot 302:This gloriously transformable link necklace, with delicious pops of color on its pendant, is a star piece of the auction.

Details: In his relatively short career, the American jeweler made stylish and daring pieces. The convertible necklace-bracelet is superbly crafted in 18K yellow gold, platinum and its removable pendant-brooch is embellished with candy colored gems such as carved ruby, aquamarine, pink tourmaline, sapphire, emerald, an oval mixed-cut peridot, citrine and a hexagonal step-cut spinel. The necklace-bracelet is an improvisation on the traditional link chain; hammered textured rope shaped links and the necklace section accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, square step-cut rubies and sapphires gives the jewel a fine edge.

Lot 406:  Contemporary is hugely appealing and Andrew Grima’s wearable artworks have always been one of my favorites; the textures, abstract shapes and rawness of his original designs deeply fascinate me. This ring that goes under the hammer soon would make for a lovely edition to the jewelry box, if you are a devout fan of Grima and love wearable art.

Details: This statement Grima ring (circa 1973) is very fashionable and very now! Handcrafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, the circular concave disc comes alive with its brush finish and platinum plaque punctuated with five round single-cut diamonds. His daring works have always been in high demand and often surface at auctions.

Lot 226: Quite a conversation starter, the bold baroque pearl ring with fab hints of platinum captures both the spirit of the era and David Webb’s signature design aesthetics. The hinged shank ensures the ring snuggles up to the finger – delightfully clever!

Details: Centering on a cultured baroque pearl – set lengthwise within a diamond adorned gold and platinum mounting – the 18k yellow gold and platinum ring features two oval cabochon emeralds and 24 round brilliant-cut diamonds accenting the raised shoulders.

Lot 126 I am struck by how beautifully the Oscar Heyman retro brooch has captured the elegance and freedom of a bird in flight.

Details: The brooch, crafted (circa 1940) by Oscar Heyman & Brothers, in yellow gold and platinum takes its inspiration from nature. A bejeweled bird soars through the wind, encrusted with transitional brilliant-cut diamonds; square and calibre step-cut rubies; square, shield and calibre step-cut sapphires and round single cut colored diamonds. Its shiny gold body is in contrast to the plumes that are adorned with bright gems.

Lot 105: I am particularly taken with the Victorian pendant-brooch, where the delight is in the detail.

Details: Though the design draws from a deep well of inspiration from the Victorian era, it channels Pantone’s color vibe – Ultraviolet. The pendant, which can also be worn as a brooch, has been crafted in yellow gold. Pretty floral gold motifs form a wreath on blue enamel accented mounting with hinged and swivel pendant bail, while a halo of seed pearls hems in the vibrant amethyst.

Lot 136: This sparkling blossom, by Jaques Timey for maison Harry Winston, ripples with movement despite over a hundred diamonds pave set into the tips of the sinuous, tapering petals. It is a truly exceptional piece. What sets it apart is the juxtaposition of artistry and design by Jaques Timey.

Details: The most distinctive elements to the Harry Winston articulated brooch are the diamonds in varied cuts – round brilliant-cut, pear shape brilliant cut, marquise cuts. As many as 117 round brilliants are pave set on the five petals that are articulated to mirror the flower’s dainty dance in the breeze. A divine jewel in platinum with a flexible construction!

Lot 204: The designer has created a flexible bracelet that clings to the contours of the wrist.

Details: The textured scale motifs snake along yellow gold, and are punctuated with a single line of round brilliant-cut diamonds along the surface. Gently flip it over, and you will be struck at the refined, articulated backside that leads to its flexible composition. This precious bracelet by Flaircraft makes a great wrist statement!