The Al Thani's Collection of Indian Jewels Could Be the Jewelry Sale of the Century

"This is as major a collection as we'll ever see at auction," said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's international head of jewelry The historically significant selection comes from the Al Thani family, who have amassed one of the finest collections of Indian jewelry, jeweled objects and historic gemstones Those who visited the exhibitions of the Al Thani collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or at The Victoria & Albert Museum will recognize many pieces.

Highlights include the Patiala Ruby Choker created by Cartier Paris in 1931, sometimes referred to as the finest ruby necklace ever made, a diamond riviere necklace originally from the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad comprising almost 200 carats of exceedingly rare Golconda diamonds The jewelry world reacted across social media this morning as the news broke "HE, Hamid Al-Thani, has been the a voracious and leading buyer of Indian or Indian-inspired jewels.

In a decade he amassed a wonderful collection of important jewelry from ancient times to present day," says Lee Siegelson, a third generation jeweler who has bought and sold some of the world's most historic jewels "He exhibited the jewelry all over the world, sharing it with the public Perhaps he was establishing the collection as important before selling, or he is in need of capital.

Either way, depending on pricing, it is a good opportunity for buyers to acquire splendid jewels, many well know." . Source