This sumptuous book invites readers to examine in exquisite
detail some of the world's finest and rarest examples of Indian
jewelry from one of the world's preeminent collections, objects
once owned by the great maharajas, nizams, sultans, and emperors
of India from the 17th to the 20th century. Highlights include a
rare gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan (1750-1799),
inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds and in the shape of a
tiger's head, and a dagger with a stunningly carved jade hilt and
a watered steel blade inlaid with gold owned by Shah Jahan. Other
pieces reveal the dramatic changes that took place in Indian
jewelry design during the early 20th century.