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The Al Thani Collection

The Al Thani Collection

View one of the world’s most dazzling private collections of Indian jewellery in London.

EventEnded

Nov 2015

Mar 2016

London (United Kingdom)
One off event
location: Victoria & Albert Museum
address: Cromwell Road - SW7 2RL
tube: South Kensington
phone: +44 (0) 800 912 6961
web: www.vam.ac.uk
opening hours:
Daily 10am-5.30pm; Friday 10am-9.30pm

As part of the V&A India Festival, the exhibition entitled Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection brings the opulence and breathtaking beauty of India’s jewels to the capital. Arriving after a warm reception at the Met Museum in New York, the exhibition consists of a single, exceptional private collection, on loan from Sheikh Hamad bin Adbullah Al Thani of Qatar. From the traditional to the contemporary, the exhibition, sponsored by jewellery house Wartski, charts the colourful history of Indian jewellery design. From the ceremonial majesty of an 18th century ornament from Tipu Sultan’s throne, to the delightful Cartier brooch from 1922, marvel at how the styles of Indian jewellery have changed over the centuries.

Admission: £11 including £1 donation; senior citizens £9; full-time students £6; family tickets available.

Not to be missed

Fabulous Indian jewels and rare Mughal jades sit alongside contemporary pieces from Cartier and JAR, showing India’s far-reaching influence on jewellery design.

4.40pm.
Curator’s talk
20 November 2015

Cartier brooch set with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, circa 1922. The Al Thani Collection © Servette Overseas Limited 2014. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
Ceremonial sword with jewelled gold hilt, circa 1880-1900, from The Al Thani Collection © Servette Overseas Limited 2014. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
Diamond turban jewel made for the Maharaja of Nawanagar. The Al Thani Collection © Servette Overseas Limited 2014. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
Gold finial from Tipu Sultan’s throne, circa 1790-1800. The Al Thani Collection © Servette Overseas Limited 2014. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, currently home to the exhibition of the Al Thani jewellery collection, is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design.
Tutti Frutti, one of Cartier's most enduring styles, was inspired by the Indian carved gems of the maharajas who came to Paris in the early 20th century. This Étourdissant ring features a 22.53 carat emerald, further emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, set in platinum. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, copyright Cartier