Customer Reviews

Jewels of the Nizams

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Krishnan's book ,The Jewels of the Nizams, is one of those rare books in that, on the one hand, is a beautiful object in itself and, on the other, provides photographs and text about the most precious jewels from India and the world. The text describes in detail the provenance of the gems and their settings which provides important contextual background to their purchase by the Nizams, the fantastic settings of the gems and their use. The text provides a fascinating history of the Nizams and their times. But the most significant part of this wonderful book is the photographs. In these the jewels are placed against a white backdrop which provides a blank background to the colour and finery of the pieces. On page after page the reader is shown gems and pieces that made this purchaser's jaw drop with amazement. It is only through these photographs that most readers will ever see or know about these gems. Their value is such that they will only be shown rarely in India and possibly never outside India. The book brings to the reader the wonders that were India in its feudal heyday.
I loved this book and Krishnan is to be congratulated for the work done to bring it to fruition.

WOW! Of all the books I own on jewelry, designers of jewelry, owners of jewelry, famous jewelry stores, this book is the one I turn to for inspiration, and just the sheer joy of seeing beautiful things, glorious things, where the creation of such objects d' art had no price tag. The jewels are photographed exquisitely, and barring a private showing, as close as we will ever get to seeing them! The archive photographs of the family wearing these treasures are wonderful, and add further texture to how they were worn in everyday life. Oh! To have such an everyday life! When you look at these fabulous jewels, you will realize that NOTHING in czarist Russia or the British Empire comes even close to the jewels in this collection. No wonder England pillaged India! Only the Treasures of the Peacock Throne (Persia/Iran) are a contender. I think the Jewels of the Nizams represent the ultimate in craftsmanship, superiority of gems, and sheer exuberance in design. This book is a feast for the eyes, a balm of beauty for the soul. P.S. I do not let anyone read books of this superb quality without wearing cotton gloves so as not to finger-mark the pages. If anyone objects, I will turn the pages for them with gloved hands! You can get these gloves at photo supply stores--y'know. Where they sell old-timey stuff like film! Enjoy this book!

i collect large "coffee table" style books on jewelry and this is an excellent one, beautifully photographed and well written.