On June 17, 2025, Christie’s New York will be showcasing exceptionally rare Mughal jewels, testimony to the opulence and refinement of the Mughal Empire. Among these treasures, a 470-carat necklace of engraved emeralds, associated with Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Durrani Empire, attracts particular attention.
A necklace of engraved emeralds weighing 470 carats
The main lot in this collection is an incredible necklace composed of five Colombian emeralds totaling some 1,150 carats. The central stone, weighing 470 carats, is engraved with the name Ahmad Shah Durrani. This inscription links this jewel to other legendary gems such as the Timur ruby and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
An 800-carat multi-gem and emerald necklace
Another remarkable jewel is a Mughal necklace adorned with four exceptional Colombian emeralds, weighing almost 800 carats. These precious stones, discovered in the 16th and 17th centuries, adorned the courts of the Ottomans, Safavid Persians and Indian Mughals, symbolizing prestige and wealth.
A necklace of spinels and natural pearls weighing over 2,000 carats
The collection also includes a three-row necklace of spinels and natural pearls, totaling over 2,000 carats. Eight of the spinels are engraved with the names of major historical figures, such as Muhammad ibn Tughluq-Shah, Babur, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. These inscriptions perpetuate the Mughal tradition of commemorating gems to record their illustrious provenance.
These Mughal jewels, from a royal collection, will be offered for sale at Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction in New York. Proceeds from the sale will go to notable charitable causes, extending the legacy of these masterpieces beyond their intrinsic beauty.
To find out more about the history of Mughal emeralds, please see the dedicated article in issue 6 of Collectissim Magazine.
