PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
AuctionsApr 06, 2016
Jewelry from Indian Royalty to Be Sold at Bonhams
A 19th century ruby and diamond “manga malai” necklace is among the pieces up for grabs at the auction house’s Islamic and Indian Art sale this month.
A highlight of the Islamic and Indian art sale at Bonhams London on April 19 is this gold “manga malai” necklace, worn by women in southern India for special occasions.
London--Royal jewels are coming to Bonhams later this month.
The auction house will offer jewelry that once belonged to an Indian royal family as part of its Islamic and Indian Art sale, scheduled to take place April 19 in London.
The family, which wishes to remain anonymous, now lives in the U.K., and has had these pieces in their collection for generations, Bonhams said.
They include a “manga malai” necklace from the 19th century, composed of linked mango-shaped elements--the mango is regarded as a symbol of love and fertility in southern Indian--and set with rubies and diamonds. It’s estimated to sell for as much as $90,000.
Another highlight of the auction is a jewel-encrusted dagger, the hilt of which is a type rarely produced in Mughal India, according to Bonhams, and can be compared to 18th century Persian daggers of similar form.
The auction house estimates that it was probably created in the Rajasthan area of India, known for its royal workshops and enameling centers. This piece could garner as much as $71,000.
The sale also includes a rare belt buckle set with emeralds and diamonds on the front and intricate enamel floral details on the back, which Bonhams predicts could sell in the range of $26,000 to $35,000.
“This is a treasure trove,” said Rukmani Kumari Rathore, specialist in Islamic and Indian art at Bonhams. “They are magnificent examples of 18th and 19th century craftsmanship and provide a wonderful opportunity to purchase an heirloom once owned by Indian royalty.”
The full list of items in the auction can be found on the Bonhams website.
Click through the slideshow below to see some of the highlights of the April 19 sale.
This 19th century diamond-set enameled armband (bazuband) features a central octagonal-shaped diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds in the form of a stylized flower head and flanked by diamond-set floral motifs in an open framework. It could garner as much as $17,000.
This 19th century emerald and diamond-set enameled belt buckle from north India could garner as much as $35,000.
Bonhams said that a hilt of the type seen on this dagger are rarely produced in Mughal India, and the quality of the enameling and the enamel colors both suggest it probably was made in Rajasthan, an area in northern Indian, in the 18th century. This is expected to sell in the range of $43,000 to $71,000.
This gem-set enameled jade pendant from 19th century India, composed of a cartouche form jade haldili (amulet) set in gold and bearing an engraved inscription in nasta’liq (a calligraphic script) from the Quran, could sell for between $7,100 and $9,900.
“Manga malai” necklaces are unique to south India and traditionally were worn for special occasions, such as weddings, and also by devadasis (temple dancers.) This circa 19th century example featuring diamonds, rubies and emeralds set in gold from the Tamil Nadu area of south India could sell for as much as $90,000.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
