Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
This Could Be One of Christie’s Biggest Jewelry Auctions Ever
It is called “Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence” and is set to take place June 19 in New York.
New York—Almost 400 pieces of the most impressive Mughal-era jewels, objects and important gemstones will be up for auction this summer.
On June 19, Christie’s New York will hold the “Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence” jewelry auction, with lots that span 500 years and showcase the culture of Indian jeweled arts from the Mughal Empire (founded in 1526) and the age of the Maharajas to present day.
While Christie’s isn’t releasing pre-sale estimates right now, a spokesperson for the auction house told National Jeweler that Christie’s anticipates the sale could rank as one of its most high-profile, and highest-grossing, jewelry auctions—think the evening auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry, which totaled more than $100 million.
The auction lots include significant necklaces, such as the Imperial Spinel Necklace and a diamond rivière necklace containing nearly 200 carats of Golconda stones that was in the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The jewelry auction also includes turban ornaments, called a sarpech, such as the diamond and spinel one pictured below.
This particular sarpech dates to 1800-1850 Hyderabad and features two spinel dated 1607-1608 and 1633-1634 and is inscribed in Persian with the names of Mughal rulers Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
Also featured in the lots are several significant gemstones, including carved Mughal emeralds ranging from about 10 carats to more than 200 carats.
Complementing the historic pieces in the jewelry auction is a collection of 20th-century works from majors houses like Bulgari, Cartier, Janesich, Lacloche Frères, Linzeler, Mauboussin and Mellerio dits Meller, as well as contemporary creations by Bhagat and JAR.
For example, there is the Patiala Ruby Choker, pictured below, which Christie’s said is a good example of Western influence on traditional Indian jewelry design.
Christie’s said he often traveled to Paris with trunks of diamonds and gemstones so Cartier could design jewels that captured
There’s also the enamel and diamond peacock aigrette by Mellerio dits Meller that Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala purchased in 1905, during one of his trips to Paris.
Sale proceeds will go to new acquisitions as well as support ongoing initiatives of The Al Thani Collection Foundation, including exhibitions, publications, lectures and sponsorships of projects at museums around the world.
Highlights of the auction will be on display in London beginning April 24 and in Shanghai from April 25, kicking off a global tour that will make stops in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York.
The Latest
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.