Home / Arts and Entertainment / Mughal Gems: Diamond & Emerald Eyewear Unearthed
Mughal Gems: Diamond & Emerald Eyewear Unearthed
4 Sep
Summary
- Spectacles feature diamond and emerald lenses from 17th-century Mughal India.
- The 'Halo of Light' diamond glasses and 'Gate of Paradise' emerald glasses surfaced.
- Modern designers have drawn inspiration from these priceless historical artifacts.
Two unique antique spectacles, believed to be from 17th-century Mughal India, recently appeared at auction, sparking significant interest in jewelry, Mughal art, and gemology. One pair, named 'Halo of Light,' features lenses made from natural diamonds sourced from the Golconda region. The other, 'Gate of Paradise,' has lenses crafted from transparent, pear-shaped emeralds originating from Colombia, cut from a large original stone.
While the frames date to the 19th century, the gemstone lenses are attributed to an unknown Mughal prince, adding an air of mystery. These artifacts underscore the profound political, monetary, and symbolic significance of precious gems within Mughal civilization. The estimated values placed on these rare objects at auction were substantial, reflecting their historical and material worth.
More recently, in 2022, these historical spectacles seemingly influenced contemporary fashion when Pharrell Williams wore custom Tiffany & Co. sunglasses featuring diamonds and emeralds during Paris Fashion Week. This modern interpretation has ignited discussions about historical references and cultural appropriation, drawing attention back to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Mughal era.
