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Exquisite A necklace crafted in 1930 for the Maharani of Patiala and a pair of ear pendants, both from the Cartier collection

The exhibition is a historical voyage through the exquisite jewellery of Indian princes. The photographs of jewellery by three renowned European jewellers – ‘Cartier’, ‘Mauboussin’, ‘Van Cleef & Arpels’– will be on display in three sections.

Jewellery from Cartier will be on display from May 8 to 15, followed by Van Cleef & Arpels’ collection from May 17 to 24. Photographs of Mauboussin’s collection will be on display from May 26 to 31.

The wearing of jewellery seems to have been an intrinsic part of Indian life. The precious metals and stones do not just represent riches or possessions, or even the necessary adjunct of power and glory, though the great Mughals epitomised the saying that the glory of a prince is made tangible by his buildings, his library and his jewels, but are also considered quasi-divine.

The stones and precious metals are believed to have astrological attributes and prophylactic properties. One can therefore imagine the Indian princes’ passion for jewels, and the importance of their relationships with the world of elite jewellers.

But, though occasional contacts were made between Indian royalty and European jewellers in the nineteenth century – for instance with the English jeweler Hamilton in Calcutta, or a special order placed with the French jeweler Oscar Massin – it was not until 1910-1920 that some princes were sufficiently impressed by European creations to decide to transform their legendary adornments. The exhibition is open to the public. Contact Ph: 2320666/ 6578808

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