The world of sparkles

Incredible diamonds and emeralds, big jewellery with sapphires and spinels, treasures only found in fairytales: the newest exhibition at Victoria & Albert Museum, “Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection” reunites over 100 spectacular objects from or inspired by the jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Highlights will include Mughal jade in the shape of a wine cup made for the early 17th-century emperor Jahangir, as well as modern jewellery made as recently as last yea. Plus: a rare jewelled gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan, and pieces that reveal the dramatic changes that took place in Indian jewellery design during the early 20th century. The exhibition will examine the influence that India had on avant-garde European jewellery made by Cartier and other leading houses and will conclude with contemporary pieces made by JAR and Bhagat, which are inspired by a creative fusion of Mughal motifs and Art Deco ‘Indian’ designs. “This is a fascinating insight into a great private collection that includes extraordinary precious stones, both unmounted and set into jewels”, Martin Roth, the director of V&A said.

Pictured above (from left to right):
Pendant brooch set with diamonds and rubies. Artist: By Bhagat, Mumbai, India, 2011. © Servette Overseas Limited, 2014. Photograph: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
Brooch set with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. Artist: By Cartier, Paris, France, 1922. © Servette Overseas Limited, 2014. Photograph: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
Diamond turban jewel made for the Maharaja of Nawanagar. Artist: India. Date: 1907; remodeled in 1935. © Servette Overseas Limited, 2014. Photograph: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.

“Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection:, at Victoria and Albert Museum, London, between 21 November 2015 – 28 March 2016 (www.vam.ac.uk)