V&A Museum to exhibit Qatari Al-Thani dynasty jewellery collection

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Nov 19, 2015

The London-based Victoria & Albert Museum is to exhibit around 100 jewellery items belonging to the private collection of the Al-Thani dynasty, the ruling family of Qatar, as part of its V&A India Festival.

The exhibition ‘Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection’ will also feature three spectacular pieces loaned by Her Majesty The Queen, showcasing a range of dazzling treasures that belong to or were inspired by jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

The objects are notable for the quality and size of their precious stones, both un-mounted and set in jewellery. These reflect India’s position over many centuries as an international market for precious stones, including diamonds from its famous Golconda mines, emeralds from South America, rubies from Burma, spinels from central Asia and sapphires from Sri Lanka.

The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani, said: “The jewelled arts of India have fascinated me from an early age and I have been fortunate to be able to assemble a meaningful collection that spans from the Mughal period to the present day."

Highlights of the exhibition, curated by Susan Stronge, Senior Curator at the V&A and sponsored by Wartski, include a Golconda diamond given in 1767 to Queen Charlotte by the Nawab of Arcot in South India and Mughal jades, notably a jade-hilted dagger that belonged to the emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal.

‘Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection’ opens on November 21 and runs until March 28, 2016. Tickets will be sold for £10 and advanced booking is advised.