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Kiani Crown

The Kiani Crown is heavy and ungainly looking by comparison. It is built around a tall, round-topped hat made of stiff cloth. The diamond rings gems are either sewn directly to the cloth or are mounted on metal plates which are sewn to the crown. Almost 1800 matched natural pearls were used as trim around every edge and to form a wide, solid band circling the center of the crown, interrupted only by other gems mounted in it. The largest emerald, of 80 carats, is mounted in the crown top ornament. The best diamond is a fine pink one of about 23 carats in the most prominent position, front and center. Hundreds of other smaller emeralds, diamonds, and rubies cover the crown. Other than the pink diamond, the most important gem diamond wedding rings is the very old and very beautiful 120-carat, dark-red spinel which is set at the top of the rounded dome of the crown. Engravings on the gem reportedly indicate that it was originally in the throne of Aurangzeb. This is the same throne mentioned earlier, before which Tavernier had seen the Shah Diamond suspended. Undoubtedly this spinel was part of the Indian treasure seized by Nadir Shah.