By Satyen Mohapatra
World famous auctioneer Christie’s auctioned a Mughal era emerald necklace for US $ 6.2 million recently.
The necklace was looted by Ahmad Shah Abali, founder of Durrani empire (modern Afghanistan) during his several attacks on the latter Mughal rulers like Ahmad Shah Bahadur, Alamgir II and Shah Alam II during the 18th century.
The renowned diamond Kohinoor was taken away from Ahmed Shah Durrani’s grandson , Shah Shuja by Punjab Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.
The necklace has five intricately carved Colombian emeralds with a total weight of 1,178.50 carats. Set on gold and magenta silk cords, it includes three hexagonal emeralds the largest weighing 470 carats as also two pear-shaped stones with detailed engravings.
One of the most interesting feature and authenticating the item is an inscription on the central emerald bearing the name Ahmad Shah Durr-i- Durran, the founder of the Durrani Empire, whose title translates as "Pearl of Pearls."
Ahmad Shah Abdali had also been part of looting and ransacking of Delhi and looting of Mughal treasury as the general of Nader Shah in 1739.
The price of the emerald diamond nearly doubled during auction. Estimated to fetch about US $ 2 million to US $ 3 million initially, heavy bidding from private parties and institutions vying for it led its price to jump. Obviously its historical significance and antique craftsmanship hiked the price. It was finally sold at a price more than double of that estimated.
Christie’s has described the necklace as “an exceptional example of gem carving, royal heritage, and cultural fusion from one of history’s most influential periods in jewellery design.”
The buyer of the necklace remains undisclosed.
It formed a part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction earning a total of $87.7 million and came from royal collection.
Other Mughal era pieces included a Mughal multi gem emerald necklace sold for US $ 5.5 million, mughal three-strand spinel and natural pearl necklace sold for over US $ 3 million.
The Mughal emperors are known to love precious stones not only for their beauty but for their spiritual significance like green emeralds were believed to bestow wisdom, healing and eternal life.