Leading philanthropist Sudha Reddy co-hosts the event
The prestigious Wallace Collection in Manchester square, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford, served as the backdrop for an exhibition of masterpieces from Shiv Narayan Jewellers, the only jeweller in the world to have broken 8 Guinness world records in jewellery making. In collaboration with the renowned philanthropist Sudha Reddy, the jewellery house from Hyderabad presented these record breaking pieces at a champagne reception before a gather of the city’s VIPs.
The pieces showcased at the exhibition were not just jewelry; they were veritable works of art, each bearing stories that ranged from mythology to indulgent, almost decadent classics. The “Lord Ganesha pendant,” for instance, earned a Guinness World Record for being the heaviest gold pendant ever made and for featuring the most diamonds set on a pendant – an astounding 11,472 diamonds. The pendant, adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and high-quality emerald beads, was designed to symbolize self-realization and was suspended from a four-row emerald and diamond necklace, reflecting a traditional style.
Kamal Kishor Agarwal, Chairman of Shiv Narayan, underlined the deep-rooted connection between craftsmanship and history, stating, “India is the land of mystical jewelry making. Our nawabs and maharajas, with their indulgent eye, worked with few, handpicked jewelers who created such a rich reservoir of design that is beyond imagination even today.”
Another remarkable piece was the “7-line bridal necklace,” a stunning creation featuring nearly 540 carats of Zambian emeralds and 85 carats of English Polki. “The Ram Darbar” made history with its weight of 1,681.820 grams and an astonishing 54,666 diamonds, each intricately inscribed with Sri Ram (Lord Ram) even on the back. “My family designed exclusive jewels for the Nizam of Hyderabad, and under his patronage, we created such a strong design and craft vocabulary that is holding good stead for us and is practiced by our artisans even today, ” shares Tushar Agarwal, Managing Director and the Design custodian of the brand.
Sudha Reddy, the esteemed philanthropist who graced the event, expressed her admiration for Shiv Narayan and their unwavering dedication to their craft: “Not only are their pieces linked to our rich history and mythology, they also keep a large atelier of very skilled artisans alive. I applaud their dedication to their art.” Her presence reminded everyone present of the deep connection between art, culture, and the preservation of age-old traditions.”
The elegance of these pieces was matched only by their historical significance. Each record-breaking jewel had its unique tale to tell, echoing the rich heritage and artistry that India has nurtured through the generations. The evening was not merely a showcase of exquisite jewelry; it was also an opulent gathering that drew leading celebrities into its orbit. The likes of Joseph Muscat. Former Prime Minister of Malta, Fazia Seth, Socialite Sheetal Mafatlal, Board Member, British Fashion Council, Freddie Toye, and Princess Katriana De Silva of Yugoslavia, Former Miss India Manpreet Brar amongst others added an air of elegance to the event, making it an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and elegance.
ADD SUDHA’S QUOTE FROM THE TELENGANA TIMES ARTICLE HERE.
The Wallace Collection, a treasure trove of art, played the perfect host to this event that seamlessly blended history with contemporary opulence. It is named after Sir Richard Wallace, who built the extensive collection, along with the Marquesses of Hertford, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
