The Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence

gem_head
Jan 12, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Jan 20, 2020

The Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence was the second highest grossing global auction and the highest grossing Indian jewelry/Art collection yet to be auctioned. Auction by Christies took place in NYC in June 2019, after showcasing the collection in Hong King, Russia and London weeks prior.

The magnificence of India’s royal jewelry and regalia can never be forgotten.

The sheer craftsmanship and opulence of each individual piece is enough to make anyone swoon. Not to mention the weight!

I was fortunate to get a glimpse of the treasures during the five day public exhibition at Christie’s before auction. I mean the jewelry was absolutely magnificent. From bejeweled daggers, Golconda Diamonds, natural pearls, exquisite enamel work, thousands of rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. The regal lives of Indian Maharajahs and Nizams in all their magnificence were underestimated before this exhibition I’m sure. I mean, you read about these treasures in books, folklore and assume the stories of extravagance and dripping diamonds are exaggerated, but there they were, in glass cases right before me. What an experience - unreal!

The collection was not limited solely to royal pieces, but also to pieces inspired by India and its beauty.

One of the stars of the auction was a Cartier 'Eastern Inspired' Art Deco Belt Buckle Brooch (pic below) from 1922. An Octagonal Emerald of 38.71carats surrounded by Diamonds and Sapphires. Sold for a hammer price $1,275,000.

The most expensive piece in the auction sold at over $10,000,000, a stunning Belle Époque Diamond Devant-De-Corsage Brooch by Cartier, a dramatic piece with over 75 carats of diamonds set in platinum and 18k white-gold (French marks).

This collection belonged to the Qatari Royals -the house of Al Thani. The sale achieved a staggering $109 million.

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