AN ANTIQUE IMPERIAL SPINEL, PEARL AND EMERALD NECKLACE

Mughal Emperors were captivated by regal red spinels, also called ‘ballas rubies’. Spinels were the gemstone of choice to carry imperial titles, as important as rubies or emeralds. Mughal Emperors were known to have their best and largest stones inscribed with their names. Calligraphy was the highest art of the Islamic courts and its practitioners were the most renowned artists. The best calligraphers were tasked with these engravings.