Maharaja Jewelry - Opulence & Beauty of Indian High Jewelry

Literally meaning ‘great king’, the word Maharaja gives us a picture of prominence, power and magnificence. They not only brought traditions and culture to the people they ruled but also a rich grandeur of tastes in apparel and jewels. Particularly, their love for jewelry and gems like sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, became world famous. The incredible designs, intricate carvings with dazzling embellishments were a sight to behold and added to their supreme stature. Here is a look at some of the most astonishing pieces from history that the Indian Maharajas prided over during their reign.

1.   The Patiala Necklace

Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in 1928, the Patiala Necklace is a legendary masterpiece that captures the essence of Maharaja jewelry. Crafted by the House of Cartier, this extraordinary necklace boasted an astounding 2,930 diamonds, including the stunning De Beers diamond, known as the "De Beers Star." The necklace also featured a mesmerising array of precious gemstones, such as Burmese rubies, emeralds, and pearls. The sheer grandeur and intricate design of the Patiala Necklace established it as an iconic symbol of Maharaja extravagance.

2.   Baroda Diamond Necklace

The Baroda Diamond Necklace, also known as the "Star of the South," is a testament to the extraordinary taste and wealth of the Maharaja of Baroda. Crafted by Cartier in 1911, this resplendent necklace features a breathtaking 128.48-carat diamond as its centrepiece. It is surrounded by a cascade of smaller diamonds, emeralds, and pearls, exuding an aura of timeless elegance. The Baroda Diamond Necklace embodies the Maharaja's affinity for extravagant jewels and stands as an emblem of his unmatched regal splendour. It is said that during the 1940’s the necklace was broken to make anklets for Maharani of Baroda, Sita Devi.

3.   Tiger Eye Turban Ornament

Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar, in 1937, asked jeweler Cartier to use a rare and spectacular cognac colored diamond called the ‘Tiger Eye’, discovered in 1913 to make a turban ornament for him. The piece was made using baguette-cut diamonds that surrounded the Tiger eye to give it a majestic, Indian traditional jewelry shape. Replica Rolex

4.   Aigrette or Sarpech by Cartier

Cartier made the Aigrette or Sarpech for Maharaja Bhupendra Singh of Patiala. The magnificent front of the aigrette is set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, and the back has foliate motifs of red, green and blue enamel. Replica Prada

5.   The ‘Indore Sapphire’ Taveez Bead Pendant Necklace

Owned by Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore, in the 18^th century, it weighed 23.20 carats. An 18carat white gold link-chain was later added to it.

6.   The Star of Asia

This was known to be the world’s finest star sapphires, weighing an unbelievable 330 carats with brilliant color, impressive size and sharp star. The Maharajah of Jodhpur owned it and it is said to have originated from Burma.  

7.   Emerald and diamond necklace

Jacques Cartier made this stunning necklace, set it in an Art deco piece for the Maharaja of Nawanagar in 1926. It featured 17 rectangular emeralds weighing 277 carats.

8.   Sprays of flowers turban jewel.

Once owned by the Maharaja of Jaipur, the aigrette features emeralds, rubies and pale beryl on one side. The other side had the same stones with the addition of diamonds. The stem and the sides of the jewel were enameled with translucent green.

9. The Nizam of Hyderabad's jewelry Collection

The Nizams of Hyderabad were renowned for their unparalleled wealth and extravagant lifestyles. Their jewelry collection was no exception. One of the most famous pieces from their treasury is the Jacob Diamond, a magnificent 184.75-carat diamond that once adorned the turban of the sixth Nizam, Mahbub Ali Khan. Another notable jewel is the "Hussain Sagar" diamond necklace, featuring a remarkable 65-carat diamond pendant. These breathtaking pieces exemplify the Nizams' penchant for extraordinary gemstones and the exceptional craftsmanship of their artisans.

10. The Indore Pears

The Maharani of Indore, a progressive and fashion-forward leader, possessed a unique sense of style that extended to her jewelry collection. Known as the "Indore Pears," her collection featured a set of exquisite pear-shaped diamonds. These stunning jewels were transformed into a necklace, tiara, brooches, and earrings, showcasing the Maharani's distinctive taste and penchant for avant-garde designs. The Indore Pears symbolise Maharani's trailblazing personality and have become an emblem of her fashion legacy.The Indore pearls have a captivating history closely linked to the city of Indore in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The ruling Holkar dynasty of Indore was renowned for their patronage of arts and culture, and they played a significant role in the promotion and development of the pearl trade in the region.

11. The Nawanagar Ruby Necklace

The Nawanagar Ruby Necklace, also known as the Jodhpur Ruby Necklace, stands as an exquisite masterpiece that exemplifies the opulence of Indian royalty and the artistry of Cartier. Commissioned in 1937 by Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar, this stunning piece features a breathtaking 158.6-carat Burmese ruby surrounded by dazzling diamonds, elegantly set in platinum. Designed by none other than Jacques Cartier himself, the necklace is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and Cartier's unrivaled expertise. Its history is laced with tales of grandeur, having adorned the neck of a Maharaja. Today, the Nawanagar Ruby Necklace serves as a symbol of timeless beauty and cultural heritage, captivating jewelry enthusiasts and historians alike. As a rare piece of art, it continues to showcase the intermingling of Indian royalty and Cartier's legacy, forever etching its place in the annals of fine jewelry history.

12. The Baroda Pearls

The Maharani of Baroda was a trendsetter in the world of fashion and style, and her collection of pearls was nothing short of extraordinary. Among her treasures, the renowned "Baroda Pearl Necklace" stands out. Comprising seven strands of lustrous pearls, this necklace was adorned with a remarkable pendant featuring the Empress Eugenie diamond. The elegance and grace of the Baroda Pearls epitomise the Maharani's passion for pearls and serve as a testament to her sartorial finesse.The Baroda pearls have a rich history dating back several centuries. These pearls are named after the city of Baroda (now Vadodara) in the western state of Gujarat, India. Baroda was known as a hub for pearl trading and production, and the Baroda pearls gained fame for their exceptional quality and beauty.

13. The Arcot II Diamond



The Arcot II Diamond is a legendary jewel associated with the Nawabs of Arcot in Tamil Nadu. This extraordinary gem, weighing approximately 38.4 carats, boasts a rare blue colour and exceptional clarity. It was presented to the Nawab by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England, as a gesture of gratitude for the Nawab's support during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. The Arcot II Diamond is a symbol of the strong ties between the British Empire and the princely states of India, and its captivating beauty continues to mesmerise enthusiasts worldwide.

14. The Jaipur Gem Palace Collection

The Jaipur Gem Palace houses a remarkable collection of Maharaja jewelry that spans centuries of regal history. This treasure trove showcases a diverse range of exquisite pieces, including intricately crafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and turban ornaments. Notable highlights include the Kundan Meena jewelry, featuring a fusion of refined enamel work and meticulously set gemstones. The Jaipur Gem Palace Collection serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Maharajas of Jaipur and their patronage of exceptional craftsmanship.The Jaipur Gem Palace Collection has a fascinating history that spans several generations and is closely intertwined with the city of Jaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The collection is associated with the renowned Gem Palace, a jewelry store that has been in operation for over two centuries.

The world of Maharaja jewelry is an enchanting realm where opulence and artistic brilliance intertwine. The legendary pieces mentioned above are just a glimpse into the vast treasure troves of Indian royalty. From the Patiala Necklace's unparalleled grandeur to the Nizam of Hyderabad's breathtaking diamonds, each jewel tells a story of regal magnificence and the rich cultural heritage of India. These iconic pieces continue to inspire awe and fascination, representing the legacy of the Maharajas and their unwavering pursuit of beauty and luxury. As we marvel at their beauty, we pay homage to the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless allure of Maharaja jewelry, a treasure trove of opulence that has captivated the world for centuries.