Christie’s has been a world-renowned auction house for 250 years and has salesrooms in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Now, it’s making headlines with its Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence collection that features dazzling jewelry and treasures from India.
The treasures to be auctioned date back to the Mughal dynasty nearly 500 years ago. It is billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime” collection with 400 items including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and the finest jeweled objects, swords and daggers. Previously owned by Indian royals and nobles, these treasures will make you feel as though you are part of the royal lineage.
Everything in the collection is breathtaking, but the jewelry looks like it was pulled from your wildest, most opulent dreams. A piece to look out for is the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace, made of gold with seven large foiled triangular diamonds, each framed in diamond leaves. As if that weren’t enough, the necklace has a triangular diamond pendant surrounded by 12 diamond leaves mounted on an inner edge with a melon-cut emerald bead.
Cartier jewels are also included in the auction since Jacques Cartier had close relationships with numerous Indian princes and royal families. His inspiration for his jewelry designs stemmed from Indian architecture. One of his platinum belt brooches set with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires was inspired by the Mughal palaces and royal quarters.
The pieces in the collection are the creation of beautiful craftsmanship and history. After the sale highlights are revealed in London between April 24th and 30th, Christie’s will have an international exhibition to Shanghai, Geneva and Hong Kong. Their final destination will be in Christie’s New York, where they will be auctioned off by June 19.
“This is living history in your hand,” says Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry at Christie’s, of the collection.
