The fabulously wealthy Indian maharajahs of times past left plenty of legacies—not least a significant influence on Cartier's modern-day high jewellery creations
Despite what most people think, the biggest fans of jewellery in history are not women but men. Specifically, the maharajahs from pre-independent India, whose insatiable appetites for extravagant jewellery are legendary and quite possibly unrivalled by the monarchs of any other country.
Rare and exotic gems were not solely for flaunting wealth, they also symbolised power, authority and status in society. That explains the magnificent ways the maharajahs wore and displayed them—in highly elaborate, substantial designs that quite literally dripped and draped over their turbans and chests as well as set into the hilts and scabbards of the swords and daggers they carried. More is not just more for these men when it comes to accessorising with jewellery. It is essential on ceremonial occasions when they are to be seen by large numbers of people in public.
With India being the world’s biggest source of diamonds—those of the finest quality, no less—back in the day, these men had the ultimate top-grade gems at their fingertips. But that’s not all. Their sapphires came from Kashmir, while emeralds arrived in the ports of Goa from Colombia. But while the maharajahs of older dynasties had their jewellery made by Indian artisans, many of those who reigned in the early 20th century—and were often educated overseas and better travelled—sought the skills of European jewellers.
The house of Cartier, in particular, had very close and productive links with India, counting multiple prominent royal names including the families of Patiala, Nawanagar, Kapurthala and Baroda among its clients. Jacques Cartier, one of three brothers who brought the business their father started to global fame, visited the country in 1911, ostensibly to procure gems and meet potential clients. He discovered, with surprise, that the royal men were interested in jewels not for their women but for themselves and went on to establish both business and friendly relationships with many of them since.
Thus began the cross-cultural exchange in the form of precious gems and gold: Cartier incorporated Parisian touches when resetting the maharajahs’ gems into new jewellery designs, while the company itself took inspiration from the Indian style for its own line of creations made for its western customers.
(Related: How Cartier Mastered the Art of Using Rock Crystal in Its High Jewellery Designs)
