Royal Indian Jewelry
Sarpech of Nizam
The Nizam's of Hyderabad were famous for their exquisite jewelry collection with Deccani, Rajasthani and Lucknavi artistry. At the time of independence, Nizam Osman Ali Khan had the biggest and the most valuable collection of gems and jewelry in India, and was said to be the world's richest man until his death in 1967. By experts estimates the collection today (2014) can fetch more than INR 15 billion in international auction.
Among many of the notable jewels and jewelry, Sarpech or turban ornament that Nizam would wear on his head was one of those.
 |
| Royal Indian Jewelry - Sarpech-khurd-zamarrud-wa-kanval-almas (left) and Sarpech-yakhoot-wa-kanval-almas (right) |
"Baroda Pearls" of Gaekwads
Among the jewels of Baroda royal family, the “Baroda Pearls” necklace has got the maximum attention. It's a 2-strand natural pearl necklace with 68 graduated pearls up to 16 mm in size assembled in the 1850's. The necklace was sold for almost USD 7.1 million at Christie's auction house in New York in 2007.
Maharaja wore heavy necklaces, armlets, bracelets and ornamental belts showcasing majesty and richness of royal treasury. Often, costumes and accessories of males were more elaborate than females.
 |
| Royal Indian Jewelry - Maharaja Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad wearing the original seven strand "Baroda Pearl" necklace |
 |
| Royal Indian Jewelry - Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda wearing 3-tier diamond necklace with cushion cut "Star of the South" diamond and the pear shaped "English Dresden" diamond below it as centerpiece of the necklace |
 |
| Royal Indian Jewelry - Maharaja Rameshwar Singh wearing Naulakha Haar |
 |
| Maharaja Yeshwantrao Holkar of Indore wearing two spectacular emerald necklaces - traditional Indian design (left) and European design (right) |
No comments:
Post a Comment