The first Nizam’s Jewels exhibition was held in 2001 from 29th August – 15th September, in which 173 objects were put on display. These jewels were put on public display for the first time ever in India, and Astro Links bagged the job for executing this very prestigious exhibition. Astro Links took care of all the display works, from concept to showcase and display designing, lighting, content building and ensuring all this was done while giving utmost importance to the safety and security of the objects.
Astro Links introduced the concept of displaying jewelry in black and neutral coloured background, this was done to enhance the dazzle of the jewels, and it became a very popular trend in India post the exhibition.
The colour scheme was made to match the palette Indian skin tone and dark hair colour.
The Nizams’ Jewelry is one of the largest and richest collections of Jewels that was purchased in 1995 by the Government of India at a cost of Rs. 218 Crore. The collection had remained in the custody of “H.E.H. Nizam Jewelry Trust” and “H.E.H. Nizam Supplemental Jewelry Trust” formed by the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1951-1952 to safe-guard the ancestral wealth of the family. The trustees kept this treasure of great historical value in the vaults of Hong Kong Bank. When the Government of India acquired this collection in 1995, after a prolonged legal battle, it was shifted to the vaults of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mumbai, where it remained till 29th June 2001.
It was brought and kept in the vaults of the RBI, New Delhi, for safety and has now been shifted to the National Museum for a befitting display, the preparations of which are complete from all points of view including round-the-clock security.
The collection comprising 173 precious jewels and jewelry items of exquisite workmanship is, it covers a period ranging from 18th century to the early 20th century. The collection includes, sarpeches, necklaces, belts and buckles, pairs of bracelets and bangles, earrings, armlets, toe rings, finger rings, pocket watch and watch chains, but-tons and cufflinks, etc.
Most outstanding among this collection is the Imperial diamond now known as Jacob diamond.
