National Museum to exhibit Nizam’s precious jewels
New Delhi: One of the largest diamonds in the world, the Jacob diamond weighing 184.75 carats, will be among the 173 precious jewels and jewellery items from the collection of the Nizams of Hyderabad that will be on display at the National Museum, culture minister Mahesh Sharma said Monday.
Titled Jewels of India: The Nizam’s Jewellery Collection, the exhibition is the third such exhibition of such rare and precious gems and jewels belonging to the period ranging from 18th century to the early 20th century.
The last time the jewels were displayed was in 2007. Most outstanding among this collection is the Imperial diamond now known as Jacob diamond, weighing 184.75 carats, which is a fabulous weight of any single gemstone.
“Nizam’s jewellery has been put on public display before the people and especially the youth which will help them to familiarise with their rich cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture is continuously engaged in efforts to bring out the history of the country in parts and the rare exhibition is one such ◗ Titled Jewels of India: The Nizam’s Jewellery Collection, the exhibition is the third such exhibition of such rare and precious gems and jewels ◗ The exhibition will display the Jacob diamond weighing 184.75 carats, among the 173 precious jewels and jewellery items from the collection of the Nizams of Hyderabad that will be on display at National Museum
effort in this direction,” the minister said.
A portfolio on the Nizam’s jewellery collection and a booklet were also released on the occasion.
The jewellery is one of largest and rich collection of jewels that was purchased in 1995 by the Government of India at a cost of ` 218 crore.
The collection had remained in the custody of “H. E. H. Nizam Jewellery Trust” and “H. E. H. Nizam Supplemental Jewellery Trust” formed by the last Nizam Mir Osman All Khan in 1951- 1952 to safeguard the ancestral wealth of the family.