Indian jewellery collection to visit London

A collection of gems and items of rare gold jewellery are to go on show at Somerset House later this month in an exhibition of royal Indian pieces.

The Kasliwal family have been fashioning jewellery for Indian rulers and maharajas since the 1600s and the present day trio of brothers has continued the tradition.

On show will be several contemporary works from the current crop of Kasliwal creations, as well as several gold, diamond and ruby necklaces and pendants from the past creations.

Included will be a Saudi princess' bridal headdress and a necklace adorned with over 300 individually cut diamonds. In total, more than 250 pieces are set to be on display at the exhibition.

The jewellers' list of clientele does not simply stretch to those of sub-continental fame however, with former customers being, among others, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, Diana, Princess of Wales and two former First Ladies, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy.

The exhibition, Treasures from the Gem Palace, will run from September 28th to October 22nd.