Bejewelled Treasures

Sumptuous exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum of jewellery made in India or for the Indian market.

The show was based on the Al Thani collection with three pieces lent by the Queen and covered from the 17th century to contemporary work. I loved the earliest pieces best, particularly the wonderful rough cut spinels often shown on a pearl necklace. The contrast of the colour and texture of the stones and pearls was beautiful.

The show complimented the Victoria Alberts exhibition last year on fabrics of India show as it looked at similar themes. A particular good ink was looking at pieces from Tipu Sultan of Mysore including a bird from his throne lent by the Queen as it had been given to George III.

I loved the jade wine bowls decorated in rock crystal, rubies and emeralds and really wanted a gold parrot with jewels set into green enamel.

As the show headed into 19th and 20th century it looked jewellery made in the west for the Indian market including pieces inspired by the Ballet Russe revival of orientalism. It included items where Indian rulers brought stones to London to be reset and ended with contemporary work including a necklace made of diamond beads, so simple and yet so beautiful.

Closes on 28 March 2016.

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