The Hindu : National : Nizams' jewels dazzle Hyderabadis again

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Tuesday, Jan 03, 2006

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National

Nizams' jewels dazzle Hyderabadis again

J.S. Ifthekhar

Hyderabad: Royalty has an enduring appeal for Hyderabadis. And if it is the legendary jewels of the Nizam, the fascination is only more potent. The "shahi zevarat" of the erstwhile rulers are set to dazzle Hyderabadis once again, this time for two months.

The fabulous collection is being showcased at the Eastern gallery of the famed Salarjung Museum here for the second time. The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy. On Sunday, people turned up in good numbers to have a dekko at the most talked-about stones.

Visitors were ecstatic as they set their eyes on the sparkling gems and pieces of jewellery. The museum resembles a veritable fortress, with gun-toting CISF personnel throwing a security ring.

The main attraction of the exhibition is the 184.50 carat imperial Jacob Diamond — world's sixth largest diamond. "The jewels are excellent and the display is very fine," said Charudat Tare, who came with his family from Kolhapur in Maharashtra.

The Nizam's prized collection is rated anywhere between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 2,500 crore. The 173 piece-collection includes the seven stranded necklace made of 150 large and 230 small pearls with a two diamond centrepiece weighting 705 gm. It also comprises sarpaches (turban ornaments), rings, bracelets, anklets, belts, ear-rings, toe-rings and armlets. The introductory gallery at the exhibition has been redone tastefully with Italian marble flooring, enabling visitors to be informed about the Nizam, his jewels and the Asaf Jahi dyanasty.

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