“Astaneh-ye-ferdaws” (Gate of Paradise) & "Halo of Light" spectacles,
Late 19th century,
"Gate of Paradise," are believed to have been cut from a Colombian emerald weighing over 300 carats.
"Halo of Light" spectacles, are believed to have been cleaved from a single 200-carat diamond found in Golconda, a region in the present-day Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The gemstones were highly prized in Islamic and Indic traditions, where they had strong associations with spirituality. Diamonds were associated with "celestial light" and "enlightenment" in Indic societies, as the bright stones were believed to be "vehicles for astral forces" that could channel the auspicious intentions of the universe.
Green is also a color closely linked to paradise, salvation and eternal life in Islam, the religion practiced by the Mughal rulers. Viewing the world through these emerald-tinted glasses would, therefore, have had special significance
Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby's
