Nizams jewels return home

Turban ornaments are among the rare 173-piece set

By Omer Farooq in Hyderabad

Arrangements have been made in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad for the display of the spectacular collection of jewels owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad.

The jewellery collection has returned to its home for public display after more than four decades.

Nizams' gems

Jacob Diamond - valued at $84.89m

One necklace has 370 pearls

A diamond belt weighs 640 carats

A ring is made of the rare Alexandrite

The jewels will be displayed at the world famous Salar Jung Museum.

The Director of the Museum, A K V S Reddy, said all possible steps are being taken to ensure that the visitors get a close look at the 173 piece collection of gems and jewellery.

The market value of the jewels is estimated at $2bn.

The exhibition is due to begin on 24 November and continue for two months.

"Special attention would be paid to bring out the beauty and glorious history of this collection," Mr Reddy said.

He said the visitors would also be shown slides explaining the background and the history of each jewel on the collection.

The museum has imported a special fibre optic lighting system for the exhibition from the US and 29 show cases have been imported from Belgium for the display, he said.

The Museum has spent about Rs 20m (approx $500,000) on the arrangements.

Police and soldiers

Tight security arrangements have been made around the museum.

The Jacob Diamond is nearly twice the size of the Kohinoor

Police and soldiers of the paramilitary Central Industrial Security Force have been deployed to guard the jewels.

The collection belonged to the Nizams, once the rulers of the princely state of Hyderabad.

One of the highlights of the collection is the Jacob Diamond - ranked seventh in the world. it is almost twice the size of the famous Kohinoor diamond in London.

The Indian Government has fought a long legal battle to stop the collection being sold overseas.

The jewels have been brought in from Delhi where they were on display for six weeks.