Patiala Necklace

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YadavindraSinghofPatiala1930s

Patiala Necklace was a magnificent piece of jewelry originally created by the prestigious French jewelry company Cartier in 1928. This extraordinary necklace was made for Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, who was the Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala in the British Raj. The necklace is renowned for its size, beauty, and the quality of its gemstones, which included the world-famous De Beers diamond.

History

The Patiala Necklace represented the epitome of early 20th-century luxury and was a symbol of the wealth and power of the Indian maharajas during the British Raj. Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, the necklace featured five rows of platinum chains embellished with 2,930 diamonds, including as its centerpiece a yellow De Beers diamond weighing approximately 234.69 carats.

After its completion in 1928, the necklace became part of the Patiala royal treasury. However, it disappeared from the royal treasury in 1948, and its whereabouts remained a mystery for many years. In the 1980s, parts of the necklace were found in a second-hand jewelry shop in London. The De Beers diamond was missing, along with several other large pieces of the original necklace.

Recovery and Restoration

The remnants of the Patiala Necklace were purchased by Cartier, and the company undertook a painstaking process of restoration. Without the original De Beers diamond, Cartier replaced it with a replica made of cubic zirconia. The restored necklace, although not completely original, was still a stunning piece of jewelry that reflected the grandeur of its initial creation.

Significance

The Patiala Necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a testament to the lavish lifestyle of the Indian maharajas during the British Raj. It also exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Cartier and the luxury brand's long-standing relationship with Indian royalty. The necklace's history, from its creation to disappearance and partial recovery, adds to its allure and mystique.

Current Status

Today, the restored Patiala Necklace is part of Cartier's collection and is occasionally displayed in exhibitions around the world. It continues to fascinate jewelry lovers and historians alike, serving as a remarkable example of early 20th-century luxury and the cultural exchange between India and the West.