The So-Called Necklace of the Spanish Inquisition

The so-called Necklace of the Spanish Inquisition. The name was coined for advertising purposes by the jeweller Harry Winston, who also claimed that this piece, made of Colombian diamonds and emeralds, had belonged to the Spanish royal family.

It was acquired by the Maharaja of Indore and subsequently took its name from its owner. In the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, where the necklace is now held, it is listed simply as the Maharaja of Indore.

The piece consists of two strands of diamonds and emeralds in an antique cut, to which a pendant and a chain of classically cut diamonds have been added. In all there are 374 diamonds and 15 Colombian emeralds, the central emerald being a 45-carat stone of exceptional quality.

Specialists believe that these are some of the oldest cut gemstones in the National Collection

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At the close of the Strugatskys' "Roadside Picnic" the Golden Sphere is asked for this: "Happiness for everybody, free, and let nobody go away unsatisfied!" I do not promise to leave no one aggrieved, but the digest really does come free

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The So-Called Necklace of the Spanish Inquisition

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At the close of the Strugatskys' "Roadside Picnic" the Golden Sphere is asked for this: "Happiness for everybody, free, and let nobody go away unsatisfied!" I do not promise to leave no one aggrieved, but the digest really does come free

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