The opulent world of the Maharajas of Punjab has long been synonymous with grandeur, luxury, and unparalleled splendor. Among the many facets of their lavish lifestyle, their exquisite jewelry collection stands out as a testament to their unparalleled taste and wealth. From magnificent necklaces dripping with diamonds to intricately crafted turban ornaments, the jewelry worn by the Maharajas of Punjab reflects their status, power, and rich cultural heritage. In this listicle, we delve into seven of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry that adorned the Maharajas of Punjab, each a masterpiece in its own right and a symbol of their enduring legacy.
- The Patiala Necklace: Arguably one of the most famous pieces of jewelry associated with the Maharajas of Punjab is the Patiala Necklace. Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in the early 20th century, this extravagant piece is adorned with nearly 2,930 diamonds, including the famous De Beers diamond, and weighs an astonishing 962.25 carats.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and his famous the Patiala Necklace - The Maharaja’s Turban Ornament: Turbans were an essential part of the Maharajas’ attire, often embellished with stunning ornaments. These turban ornaments, crafted from gold and encrusted with precious gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, added a regal touch to their ensemble and symbolized their status and power.
Turban Ornament - The Naulakha Necklace: Another masterpiece from the treasure troves of Patiala, the Naulakha Necklace was commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s father, Maharaja Rajinder Singh. This exquisite necklace features nine strands of lustrous pearls, along with diamonds and emeralds, and is said to have cost an astounding nine lakh rupees at the time of its creation.
Naulakha Necklace - The Phulkari Bangles: Phulkari, a traditional embroidery technique from Punjab, inspired the creation of intricately designed bangles worn by the Maharajas. These bangles, often made from gold and embellished with enamel work and precious gemstones, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region and added a touch of elegance to their attire.Phulka
Phulkari colour bangles - The Kundan Jewelry Set: Kundan jewelry, characterized by its elaborate designs and intricate craftsmanship, was favored by the Maharajas of Punjab. These jewelry sets typically included necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, adorned with uncut diamonds set in gold and embellished with vibrant gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.Kun
Kundan Jewellery set - The Haar or Mala: Haars or Malas, traditional necklaces worn by the Maharajas, were often passed down through generations as symbols of prestige and lineage. These necklaces featured intricate designs crafted from gold and studded with precious gemstones, reflecting the Maharajas’ exquisite taste and opulent lifestyle.Ru
Ruby Haar - The Jadau Jewelry: Jadau jewelry, renowned for its intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship, was highly prized by the Maharajas of Punjab. These elaborate sets, featuring intricately carved gold settings and embedded with uncut diamonds and precious gemstones, were worn on special occasions and royal ceremonies, showcasing the Maharajas’ unparalleled grandeur and sophistication.
Nose ring with Jadau work
Each of these exquisite pieces of jewelry not only exemplifies the Maharajas’ penchant for luxury and extravagance but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy of Punjab.