Magnificence collection makes history
Maharajas & Mughal collection makes history at Christie’s NY Christie’s salerooms witnessed history at New York on just passed June 19. Spanning over 500 years of history, the collection of Indian jewels and jewelled objects sells for $109.3 million! After a global tour that saw thousands of people flocking to Christie’s salerooms, a specially designed New York exhibition, and a 12-hour auction presided over by five auctioneers, the Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence collection totalled $109,271,875 / £87,138,656 in New York-the highest for any auction of Indian art and Mughal objects, and the second highest for a private jewellery collection. Almost 400 lots were offered, ranging from legendary Golconda diamonds to dazzling coloured stones, jewelled objects used in the royal courts to swords and daggers once owned by Indian rulers. Bidders came from 45 countries, and included a significant number of institutions. Beginning with the sale announcement...