​India Enchants the Kremlin

What’s the hottest exhibition being staged in Russia’s capital at the moment, you ask? The answer: Indian bling. More than 300 pieces of extravagant handmade jewelry, including royal, ceremonial and personal jewels that were worn by India’s maharajas, are on display at the Moscow Kremlin Museums. And it’s a literal show of the ages: While the show includes contemporary works by Indian jewelers Munnu Kasliwal and Bhagat, the real highlights are, shall we say, of earlier vintages. Highlights include pieces dating back to the early days of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century; a 400-year-old pendant decorated with gold, nephrite, rubies and emeralds; and a 19th century turban crown encrusted with gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls as well. More than 30 museums, institutions and private collectors around the world have lent the items, many of which have never been exhibited before. If that’s not enough for you, European jewelry houses Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels have contributed their own Indian-inspired pieces. The show, titled “Jewels that Enchanted the World,” runs until July 27.