Nizams of Hyderabad's Jacob diamond on display: Single gemstone weighs 184.75 carats

 | Updated: Feb 19, 2019, 08:42 PM IST

Titled 'Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection', is an exhibition of rare and precious gems and jewels belonging to the period ranging from 18th century to the early 20th century.

Jacob diamond

One of the largest diamonds in the world, the Jacob diamond 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 in New Delhi.

(Photograph:AFP)

Jacob diamond

Titled 'Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection', it is an exhibition of 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.

(Photograph:AFP)

Imperial diamond

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. 

It is cut in a rectangular cushion-cut, with 58 facets and measures 39.5 mm long, 29.25 mm wide and 22.5 mm deep.

(Photograph:AFP)

Jacob diamond

The Jacob diamond is a large diamond, ranked fifth in the world in size.

It is believed to be the Victoria Diamond, previously owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad and currently owned by the Government of India.

(Photograph:AFP)
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Jacob diamond

The Jacob diamond has changed hands only twice in history.

It is branded as a "non-violent diamond", unlike the famous Koh-i-Noor.

(Photograph:AFP)

Nizam's jewellery

The collection includes sarpeches ( a turban ornament), necklaces, belts and buckles, pairs of bracelets and bangles, earrings, armlets, toe rings, finger rings, pocket watch and watch chains, buttons and cufflinks. 

While the diamonds from the celebrated mines of Golconda and Colombian emeralds predominate, the Burmese rubies and spinets and pearls from Basra and the Gulf of Mannar, off the east coast of India, will also form part of the exhibition. 

(Photograph:AFP)

Nizam's jewellery

A portfolio on the Nizam's jewellery collection and a booklet were also released on the occasion. 

The jewellery is one of the largest and rich collections of jewels that was purchased in 1995 by the Government of India at a cost of Rs 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. 

"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 effort in this direction," Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said. 

The trustees kept this treasure of great historical value in the vaults of Hong Kong Bank. When the Government of India acquired this collection in 1995, after a prolonged legal battle, it was shifted to the vaults of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mumbai, where it remained till June 29, 2001. 

It was brought and kept in the vaults of the RBI, New Delhi, for safety and has now been shifted to the National Museum for a befitting display, the preparations of which are complete from all points of view, including round-the-clock security. 
 

(Photograph:AFP)

Jacob diamond

Prior to this, the Nizam's jewellery was displayed twice at the National Museum. The first exhibition was held in 2001, in which 173 objects were put on display. The second exhibition was held from September 26- December 30, 2007. 

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing from February 19 to May 5th from 10am to 6pm (except Mondays and National Holidays).

(Photograph:AFP)