One of the most outstanding collections of gemstones and jewellery was acquired by the Indian government in 1995. Sometimes worn but never shown, these jewels once belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad, reputed to be the richest men in the world.
Jewels of the Nizams is a study and documentation of this collection. Once part of the Nizams' state regalia and personal heritage, the ornaments date from the early 18[superscript th] century to the early 20[superscript th] century. Finely crafted from gold and silver and highlighted with exquisite enamelling, the jewels are set with Colombian emeralds, diamonds from the Golconda mines, Burmese rubies and spinels, and pearls from Basra and India.
Though only a fraction of the legendary wealth of the Asaf Jah dynasty, the collection is breathtaking when translated into gem weights. There are over 25,000 diamonds weighing in excess of 12,000 carats, more than 2,000 emeralds weighing over 10,000 carats, and pearls exceeding 40,000 chows.
Jewels of the Nizams documents this unique collection of jewels that give credence to legends, apocryphal tales and fading memories of a fabulously wealthy dynasty that ruled the Deccan for seven generations.
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R. Balakrishna Pillai (born 8 March 1935) is a former Minister of Kerala, India, who has held portfolios like Transport, Electricity. Member of Legislative Assembly from Kottarakara Constituency in Kollam district for decades. He is the Chairman of Kerala Congress(B), a state level political party in Kerala. He was born to Keezhoottu Raman Pillai of Valakom and Karthiyaniamma in 1935. He was the youngest child and the only son of this couple He is married to Valsala,daughter of Attara Parameswaran PIllai and sister of novelist P R Shyamala. They have two daughters, Usha and Bindu and a son, K. B. Ganesh Kumar. Usha is married to K Mohandas, a senior IAS Officer who is Secretary to the Government of India. Bindu is married to T Balakrishnan, IAS, who is Principal Secretary (Industries) with the Government of Kerala. Ganesh Kumar is a Malayalam film actor and the sitting MLA of Pathanapuram and has been Transport Minister.
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Seller: M.S. Books, Salisbury, MD, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. A lavishly illustrated study of the fabled jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad. 240 pages, illustrated. Has impressions from previously placed clips on several interior pages, otherwise no sign of previous use. Due to the size and weight of this volume, shipping is not available outside the U.S. Seller Inventory # 016311
Seller: ERIC CHAIM KLINE, BOOKSELLER (ABAA ILAB), Santa Monica, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near fine condition. Dust Jacket Condition: dj. First edition. Folio. 240pp. Original color-illustrated beige paper-covered boards with brown lettering on cover, white on spine, in color-illustrated dustjacket with white lettering and publisher's device on spine. Brown endpapers. Frontispiece on bronze background. Bronze title page with brown lettering, publisher's device in color. "in the public mind, the Nizam of Hyderabad is inextricably linked with the image of astronomical wealth and fabulous jewels. Indeed, the Nizam's jewellery collection is one of the most valuable in the world. And so in 1972, the news that the collection was being offered for sale to the Government of India caused a sensation in the world of jewellery." (Introduction). Pages 7 to 37 contain an essay on the history of the Raoyal family and the development of the collection. Beautifully illustrated with color and sepia-toned reproductions of photographs of the Royal family, their palaces, and an extensive part depicting the jewellery, with extensive descriptions. Contains notes, glossary, bibliography, photo credits and index at rear. Dustjacket and binding with minor wear. Small dealer sticker attached to inside front cover. Seller Inventory # 55959
Seller: Goodwill, Brooklyn Park, MN, U.S.A.
Condition: very_good. Item may have minor cosmetic defects such as marks, wears, cuts, bends, or crushes on the cover, spine, pages, or dust cover. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may contain remainder marks on outside edges, which should be noted in listing comments. Item may be missing bundled media. Seller Inventory # MINV.8175083069.VG