Opulence In Turban Ornaments
The Nizams of Hyderabad in India had an extraordinary collection of turban ornaments, known as sarpech or jigha, which were lavishly decorated with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls. Their jewelry collection was one of the most opulent in the world, reflecting the immense wealth of the Hyderabad State.
Many of these turban ornaments featured intricate designs with large Golconda diamonds, Colombian emeralds, and Basra pearls. Some pieces were even crafted in collaboration with European jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. The Nizams' collection is now partly preserved in museums and private collections, with some pieces displayed in the Salar Jung Museum and the Reserve Bank of India’s treasury.
Reputed auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's have not conducted many auctions related to turban ornaments from the Nizam era. We did mention above that some of the turban ornaments studded with precious stones and diamonds, are now with the Indian government. However every serious diamond or antique jewelry collector knows that, there were far more Nizam turban ornaments than, revealed.
Theft and private transfers are likely to be the reasons why, a significant number of turban ornaments from the Nizam collection, have not been accounted for. Rumors keep coming up about, some Golconda diamonds that were believed to be set in the Nizam turban collection. While the talk often mentions a vivid blue diamond and a vivid fancy pink diamond in turban ornaments - the truth is that tracking private collections is next to impossible.
Historic diamonds like the famous Golconda diamonds, became well known after they passed through high profile auctions. There is no confirmed information so far about, the pink and blue diamonds mentioned above, coming up for auction.
NOTE
Jewelnice has no business interest in trading historic diamonds. The content in this report is shared for general information on developments, related to historic jewels. Collectors should stay informed about authentic news related to rare jewels like the historic Golconda diamonds. Acquisitions made from reputed auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's, are considered to be safe in terms of authenticity and legality.