This extraordinary exhibit represents luxurious items from the Indian Courts during the time period 1700-1940, a time of vast political, social and cultural changes.  An overwhelming collection of jewels, textiles, weapons, gold and silver, crystal, furniture, paintings and so much more are on display.

Upon entering the first room, the beauty of the large Sarpech struck me; a jeweled ornament is the crown for the Prince’s turban.   Designed in the motif of a peacock feather, the organic shaped sizeable sapphire in the center is flawlessly vibrant blue. The large white pearl, subtle, yet, so rare—found by a diver in the Persian Gulf, is valuable and most prized of all.  Enhanced by the colorful rubies, emeralds and crystal diamonds the flow of the jewel is whimsical as it ends with a large dangling emerald.  One can just imagine the emerald jiggling side to side as the Prince spoke of important political engagements.

Decorated from head to foot, the Maharaja commanded dignity and respect from all his observers.  Worn in the mid-19^th century this Jaipur style belt is pure luxury fabricated in diamonds, pearls, enamel, gold and silk. Enormously round diamonds surrounded by natural pearls is blindingly white and modern in its traditional antiquity style.

For the Princesses, the transparent silk saris and delicate jewels were unsurpassed in creating a sensual and feminine style, typical of Benares.  The 19^th century, delicate pair of gold Makar kara, bracelets, with heads of a mythical sea creature, is enameled in pastel colors of pink, blue and green.  Large diamonds are on three sides of the bangle, creating an iridescent glow.

In 1928 Paris, France, the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala commissioned Cartier Jewelers to create this magnificent five-stranded diamond necklace with the large yellow diamond pendant drop.  Traveling to Paris, with his crown jewels secured in a locked trunk, the Maharaja desired to have the precious diamonds revamped into a ‘modern’ Western style.

The luxurious ceremonial necklace was designed in a refined and sophisticated fashion, using hundreds of diamonds, from incredibly large to small.  Many photos have been taken of the Maharaja wearing his impressive layers of diamonds.

On exhibit, the yellow diamond is replaced with a yellow zirconia, the large round centered diamond is replaced with a white zirconia, synthetic red rubies replace the natural rubies and quartz stones replaces the natural yellow diamonds, the brown stone is topaz.  In spite of the substitutions, the splendor of the necklace is not diminished.

To this day, in quantitative terms, the largest single commission that Cartier has ever executed—has been from the Maharajas.

Janet Deleuse

Visit the exhibit at:
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA

Precision cut by master gem-cutters, in Idar-Oberstein, the facets are diagonal checkerboard reflecting light beams at each angle.

Perfectly cut, flawless round brilliant diamonds are set in platinum surrounding this 8.8ct oval amethyst.  The sides of the pendant flow out on bars of pave set diamonds.

Dropping from a 16” platinum chain, the necklace is regal, fine quality and one of a kind.

$12,500.00

One of a kind collection of natural turquoise and South Sea pearl jewelry designed by Janet Deleuse.
Ring: Turquoise and Mabe pearl set in 18k.  $8.500-
Bracelet: Turquoise and pearls in 18k $22,500-
Earrings: Turquoise and 12.5mm pearls dangling $12,500-

We have just added these wonderful vintage earrings circa 1970′s to our collection.  Wonderful and bright sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds set in 18k yellow gold with a unique curved design.  $750-

We have just added this beautiful platinum and diamond wristwatch to our vintage collection.  It features an elongated rectangular face, with blue-steeled hands  and an art-deco bezel with diamonds.  Swiss made circa 1920′s.  Comes with a new cord strap with safety chain.  $2,450-

Custom designed 2.07ct Sapphire with 1.02 ct VS-2 F color diamonds.  Set in platinum.  Classic design with a lustrous deep blue sapphire.  This eye catching piece is for any occasion or daily wear. $17,500-

Vintage 1960′s Trinity Cartier Bracelet in 18k white, yellow and rose gold.  This item has been sold.

Platinum Hamilton watch circa 1925.  Black cord band.
Intricate design with diamonds and blued hands.  This item has been sold.

14k white gold and Stainless steel Pendant with diamonds and pearls on white gold chain $1,250-

14k white gold Shreve & Co. watch with diamonds on bezel and bracelet.  This item has been sold.

Totally cool—totally feminine!

Round faceted citrine and smoky quartz briolettes cut by August Mayer, master gemstone cutters, in Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

$3,500.00-

One of a kind, designed by Janet Deleuse