After an announcement in April — and global tours and exclusive launch dinners through London, Shanghai, Geneva and Hong Kong — Christie’s has brought its landmark collection, Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence , back to New York. Currently on display before a sale on June 19, the 400 lots form “the most valuable and precious collections of jewellery and Mughal objects to ever come to auction”, says Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewellery.
In addition to creations from royal dynasties dating as far back as the Mughal eras, the sale will also auction India-inspired creations and crossover pieces by international jewellers like Cartier. “No other auction in the past 50 years has offered so many exceptional Golconda diamonds (from the famed region presided over by the Nizam of Hyderabad, where the Koh-i-Noor was mined) and bejewelled objects that belonged to numerous royal families,” he says.
The pieces, which include a 200-carat Golconda diamond necklace and the 18th century ‘Arcot II’ diamond, all come from the private collection of Qatar’s ruling family, the house of Al Thani. Handpicking the specific pieces was a multi-year process, done with the “true eye of a collector”, he adds. Here are three to bid for, and some to admire.
From 10 am to 2.30 pm at the Rockefeller Center, New York, on June 19. Details: christies.com
Emerald, ruby and diamond-set gold state pen case and inkwell — Late 16th century, Deccan region (estimates start at ₹10.4 crore): “The work, both in terms of the materials and execution, is highly intricate and masterfully created. The pen case has been a symbol of power at court throughout the medieval Islamic period,” says Kadakia.
Hilted dagger — Late 18th/early 19th century, South India (estimates start at ₹3.47 crore): “The hilt of this impressive gem-set dagger is in the form of a yali, a fearsome mythical beast, a well-known motif in the architecture of southern India. The gem settings, particularly the emeralds on the back of the yali’s neck and the rubies on the grip of the hilt, have been compared to the settings seen on the tiger-head finials of Tipu Sultan’s throne,” says Kadakia.
The Patalia Ruby Choker
The Nizams of Hyderabad Sarpech Diamond and Spinel Turban Ornament
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
Golconda Diamond Rivière Necklace
The pink Golconda diamond ring
Enamelled and gem-set model of a parrot, circa 1775
‘Taj Mahal’ emerald and diamond brooch by Cartier (estimates start at ₹10.4 crore): “Created by the Renault workshop, one of Cartier’s finest, it is set with emeralds, onyx, pearls and diamonds. The emerald was later named the ‘Taj Mahal Emerald’ for the carved floral engravings that were reminiscent of the coloured stone inlay of the monument. Immensely creative, this jewel was widely publicised and appeared in several publications,” says Kadakia.
