Indian royals not only give us a picture of power and prominence but are symbolic of royalty. While they are often hailed for their bravery, their love for jewellery cannot be neglected. From the exquisite gems to the incredible designs, they left behind a true essence of tradition. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala is one such royal figure, who was known for his love for jewellery.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala had a fine taste in jewellery and owned some of the most gorgeous pieces. In 1925, he visited Paris for political purposes, but he carried boxes of diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. Cartier was one of the most sought-after French luxury brands known for their jewellery and had managed to establish a name for themselves among the Indian royals.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh decided to test the brand’s skills during his visit to Paris. One of the brand’s ceremonial necklaces impressed the Maharaja so much that he became a regular client of the brand. Here are a few impressive pieces of jewellery created for the Maharaja.
#1. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s Art Deco jewel with unusual cognac diamond for his turban
In 1937, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh asked Cartier to create a unique piece of jewellery for his turban (sarpech). The Art Deco jewel for his turban was made with an unusual cognac-coloured diamond. The front of the jewellery was set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, while the back side had motifs of red, green, and blue enamel.
#2. The Patiala Necklace with the world’s seventh largest diamonds
The Patiala necklace was designed by Cartier in 1928. The necklace featured 2930 diamonds and included the world’s seventh largest diamond, De Beers, in its centre. It is the largest cushion-cut diamond with 428 carat pre-cut weight. The necklace also featured 116 family Burmese rubies weighing over 170 carats. It is one of the largest single-piece orders Cartier has received.
After Maharaja’s death, the necklace was passed on to his son and remained as a part of the Patiala royal collection. When India gained Independence, the necklace was lost, and no traces of it were found. Decades later, it resurfaced but broken into pieces. Cartier re-created the piece with replica stones.
#3. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh ordered to create 149 pieces of jewellery
After the Patiala necklace, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh travelled to Paris and visited Place Vendome the historic Boucheron maison. For the unversed, Boucheron is a French luxury jewellery and watch house located in Paris. The Maharaja was accompanied by guards who carried several boxes which contained 7,571 diamonds, 1,432 emeralds, sapphires, rubies and pearls from his own collection.
He placed an order for a 149-piece collection with the Boucheron’s jewellers. The collection included collars, necklaces, belts and other pieces intricately designed with details of Indian culture and style. The Maharaja’s order brought a lot of recognition to Boucheron.
#4. Cartier necklace for Maharani Yagoda Devi
In 1939, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh ordered Cartier to create a necklace for Maharani Yagoda Devi, one of the wives of the Maharaja. The necklace, which included a ruby choker, featured diamonds and pearls set in a row of platinum. While the necklace was lost, a part of it was discovered years later at a European auction in the form of a bracelet. Cartier re-created the piece using less expensive stones.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh cemented his place in history with his pursuit of luxury, and his collection of exquisite jewellery is a testament to it.
Also Read: Nita Ambani’s 200-Yr Old Parrot Pendant With Ruby Heart Is Similar To Mysore Maharaj’s Wedding Jewel