Sunday Evening Art Gallery — Jewels from the Persian Qajar Dynasty

The Qajar Dynasty  was an Iranian royal dynasty of Turkic origin specifically from the Qajar tribe, ruling over Iran from 1789 to 1925.

Emerald Sunburst Tiara

 

The Qajar jewelry and artifacts are like time capsules, the physical aesthetics and the technical way they were made had a lasting impact of how jewelry developed, and influenced other cultures.

Badge of the Order of the Lion and the Sun

 

Qajar kings were known for their extravagant jewelry.

Qajar Period Pearl and Enamel Ring

 

Following their leaders, both men and women wore stylish accessories, a trend that is conspicuous in the paintings of the era.

Qajar Dynasty diamond

 

In actual fact, the craftsmanship of the jewelers and artisans of the royal court had become so sophisticated that they made a considerable impact on how jewelry was viewed throughout the world.

Gold, Cabochon Emerald, Cabochon Ruby, Diamond, Qajar White Sapphire and Enamel Diadem

 

The Kiani Crown, put on the head of a newly coronated king, was adorned with thousands of priceless gems like rubies, emeralds, and diamonds.

Kiani Crown

 

Other pieces of jewelry created during the Qajar Dynasty bring into focus the power, vision, and culture of a truly impressive era in history.

Medal Of The Qajar Order Of The Sun

 

The royal family and its ranking officers often went to extremes to decorate their outfits and uniforms with diamonds, rubies, pearls, and other precious stones.

A Court Lady Playing a Santour

 

More articles about the fantastic Qatar Jewels Collection can be found at Reena Ahluwalia  and Afra Art Gallery.

Sunday Evening Art Gallery Blog — Crowns

 

russian crown jewels

The Crown Jewels of Russia

The sparkle of diamonds and pearls and rubies and sapphires tease us mere mortals of a life none of us will ever experience.

imperial crown of india

Crown of India

With one stone we could buy a car. A house. With a handful of precious stones we could buy the world.

Crrown of Iran

Crown of Iran

The power behind the symbol is also something us mere mortals will never fathom.  How many lives were lost in the name of the crown? In the name of the monarchy?

the minor imperial crown of russia

The Minor Imperial Crown of Russia

The dreams of tomorrow sparkle like diamonds in the crown. Every sparkle a new facet of life.

Henry VIII crown

Crown of King Henry VIII

But have heart, princesses of the world. Our wealth is not in rubies and emeralds and solid gold trim. Our wealth is in our heart. Our princess heart.

Imperial crown of holy roman empire

Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire

Our wealth is in the love we feel, the words we share. Our determination to not give in. Not give up. Even in the face of adversity.

france Crown of Louis XV, France

We are all princesses, queens, and kings, all children of royalty. Daughters of farmers and tool and die men and accountants, sons of waitresses and postal carriers and fishermen.

I must admit, though, I wouldn’t mind wearing one of those crowns — being Queen for a Day.

What a day that would be…