BHUPINDAR SINGH, THE most famous maharajah of Patiala, was an extraordinary man. Towering above all others at just over two metres, he married five times, had numerous concubines, and fathered a grand total of 88 children. Known for his insatiable appetite for luxury – he was the first man in India to own a private airplane and had an entire fleet of Rolls-Royce motorcars at his disposal – the maharajah was also famous for his immoderate taste for jewellery.
He paid regular visits to the best jewellers on Place Vendôme in Paris, with servants in tow carrying trunks full of diamonds and gemstones, requesting to transform these fabulous jewels into magnificent showpieces befitting his status and stature. These special orders by the maharajah always stirred up lots of excitement around the square. His biggest commission took place in August 1928 – two years after the legendary Patiala necklace was made – but this time he had walked into the house of Boucheron instead.
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