Christies, the auction agency, is holding a public display and auction of 388 such items from its collection called Maharajas and Mughals - A collection of extraordinary treasures.
The total value of the rare items is yet to be ascertained, but there are 400 diamonds, colored stones, finest jewelled objects, swords and paintings that will be auctioned. The auction will also sell items such as rare pendants, rings, other jewelleries and fine memorabilia.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewellery at Christie’s was quoted as saying that "This is living history in your hand," in a Christie's communication. That, because the collection involved a "stunning" trove of jewels that dated back 500 years to the early part of the Mughal dynasty, which ruled in India from 1526 to 1857."
India's rich culture of jewellery will be presented at this auction. Diamonds mined from the reserves of Golconda, Sapphires from Kashmir, and emeralds that came to India from Colombia via Portugese-controlled ports of Goa will be in display.
For the uninitiated, the royal jewelleries at stake in this auction include Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's jade hilted dagger (Katar), priceless jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad, a string of pearls belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur.
The collection also has 'sarpechs' (turban ornaments), necklaces such as a diamond riviere necklace originally from the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad, 33 Golconda diamonds (value estimated in range of $1,200,000 - $1,500,000), and the Nizam of Hyderabad's diamond encrusted ceremonial sword set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds (estimated at $1,000,000 - $1,500,000).
Also featured are carved Mughal emeralds, jewelled boxes, the famed 'Arcot II' diamond, presented to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, by Muhammad Ali Wallajah Nawab of Arcot, and the magnificent 'Mirror of Paradise' D colour Internally Flawless Golconda diamond.
These objects have been offered from the Al Thani Collection. A part of the proceeds is expected to go in supporting initiatives of the foundation such as exhibitions, publications, lectures and sponsorships of projects at museums around the world.
The exhibition will be organized from June 14-18 and the auction is slated to be held on June 19.
Here's a look at some of the rare objects from Christie's.
In-Picture: A Gold Finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan with an expected price of $500,000 to $700,000.
Text: Sify
Images:Christie's
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