World’s largest diamond and Mughal necklace in Geneva auction

A rare necklace, engraved with the names of Mughal emperors Akbar and Jahangir goes under the hammer in Geneva on Wednesday by Christie’s, which is also auctioning the world’s largest flawless blue diamond, in a sale expected to total USD 80 million.

Dating 17th century, the seven Mughal engraved spinel bead necklace is estimated to fetch between USD 1,500,00 to USD 2,000,000 at ‘Magnificent Jewels’ sale, auctioneers said.

Mughal emperors were known for their love of precious stones. The tradition of engraving titles and names on stones began with the Timurids, who were the ancestors of the Mughals.

They did their engraving on diamonds, emeralds and other outstanding quality stones with large spinel beads considered to be their favourites.

These gems were not only a symbol of the opulence and dignity of the empire but were also treasured as protective talismans.

The Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar exhibits an important necklace with eleven Mughal spinel beads with a total weight of 877.23 carats. Three of them engraved with the names of Emperor Jahangir and one with that of Emperor Shah Jahan.

Leading the ‘Magnificent Jewels’ sale is world’s largest flawless vivid blue diamond ‘The Blue’ estimated to fetch between USD 21,000,000- USD 25,000,000.

The diamond leads the 250 lot strong sale, estimated to mop up a total in the region of USD 80 million, Christie’s said.

Six months earlier, Christie’s Geneva sold ‘The Orange’ the largest fancy vivid orange diamond in the world for USD 35.5 million, a global record for an orange diamond and a world auction record price per carat for any diamond at USD 2.4 million.