The Patiala Necklace

Around March 1888, De Beers found one of the largest diamonds in the world, weighing an astonishing 234.65 carats. This beautiful stone was bought by the Maharaja of Patiala, hence the name of the stone. In 1928, Cartier set the stone as a centre piece of a ceremonial necklace that came to be know as ‘The Patiala Necklace.’  Part of the largest single commission for Cartier.

The necklace is now on display at the Victoria and Albert museum exhibition ‘The Splendour of the Raj.’  The story goes, that after the end of the Raj, the necklace disappeared. In 1998 someone came across its’ remnants in a second hand jewellery shop in London….all the big stones were gone. Cartier restored the remains of the necklace over four years, having to use white sapphire, topaz and cubic zirconium.  The original necklace contained about 2,930 diamonds and weighed 962.25 carats.

The exhibition also has on display saris, turbans and animals embellished with jewels, portraits and ceremonial swords.  Running until January 17th 2010, a must see for those who are interested in seeing the Maharja’s Royal Courts.