Jewels of the Holkars

Hi everyone, time for some royal treat.


For this section I am exploring the royal collection of Maharaja and Maharani from Indore. The reason for posting this first is very obvious that I belong to Indore and my love for this city has never faded out. Being born and brought up here and inclined towards the Royal Families of the world gave me a thought to explore it more.
Now I want you all to see for yourself by reading this and taking a ride back to history. I am sure you'll go wow after seeing these beautiful jewels and the way the Holkars lived their royal life.

Maharani Sanyogita Bai Sahib Holkar wearing an elegant dress topping it with her signature Emerald and diamond long statement necklace, By Boutet de Monvel,1934

Called the "Indore Pears" of around 47ct each worn differently with necklace in the first portrait and here as earrings. Further sold to Jeweller Harry Winston. Presently showcased in the collection of Arab Jeweller Mouward. 

Maharaja YashwantRao Holkar wearing spectacular emerald Jewellery that is a mix of European and Indian style.

It was said that the Maharaja and Maharani of Indore had finely carved and exquisite emeralds and later they were auctioned by the International auction houses for a large sum as HOLKAR EMERALDS.

Model wearing Holkar emerald and diamond necklace which was auctioned by Sotheby's in Tokyo, 1990's

Considered among the finest diamonds found till 1880, called the Porter Rhodes diamond here sett as a ring purchased by Maharaja YashwantRao Holkar. This diamond along with the Indore Pears also stayed for a short while and were later again sold to Harry Winston in 1946.

Maharani Sanyogita Bai wearing her signature Emerald and Diamond Collection comprising Necklace, Ring and Bracelet. Portrait by Bernard Boutet Monvel, 1934

Not much is clear about this beautiful necklace. Only that this once belonged to the Royal Spanish Family and later. Bought by Harry Winston from the Maharaja of Indore in 1940's. Now at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

You might be curious as to why did the Royals gave their jewels to  Harry Winston.
It so happened that the estate duty came to 1.14 crore in 1961 valued today at approx. 100 crores. Due to poor tax planning this amount had to be paid in cash which forced Maharani Ushadevi Holkar, daughter of the young Royal couple to convert their exquisite jewellery collection into cash and pay the taxmen.