WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
