Contrary to popular belief, bijoux-ed necks aren’t a new phenomenon in India. Indian royalty, comprising folx from across the gender spectrum, would flaunt gems bigger than the size of their fists as a part of their everyday ensembles – much like how your annoying colleague has been flaunting that newly copped Apple watch in Zoom meetings.
They’d commission one-of-a-kind pieces to jewellers across continents, with Cartier being a favourite among many royal households, to have and to hold, and in some cases pass on to their kin as an heirloom. Below, we take a look at the five stunning jewellery pieces owned by erstwhile royal families of the country, and the people who wore them.