Our Heritage pieces are truly one-of-a-kind treasures, each one carefully curated for its exceptional craftsmanship, provenance, and character. These pieces are selected with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they embody the timeless elegance and cultural richness that define our collection. Because every Heritage item is unique, only a single piece is available, making each acquisition a rare and meaningful addition to any collection.
Each Heritage item is entirely handcrafted using centuries-old techniques that are deeply rooted in India’s rich jewellery traditions. Every piece is thoroughly inspected and expertly fitted by us to ensure it meets the standards of contemporary wear. Together with the client, we review whether any custom adjustments are desired, ensuring the piece aligns perfectly with modern comfort while preserving its historical integrity.
Heritage pieces are delicate and need to be handled with care. Please store your jewellery in the supplied pouches and cases, to prevent them from scratching.
Please avoid contact with water, perfume, other liquids or strong substances.
When not worn, we strongly advise jewellery from our Collections to be stored in the supplied pouch and cases. With the exception of enamelled surfaces, your jewellery can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and soft jewellery polishing cloth. Avoid any soap
Items featuring waxed cotton cord should be kept away from water and other strong substances.
In our workshop we have a team of specialists who are experts in any restauration, restringing, stone setting or restauration challenge. Please contact concierge@vangelderjewellery.com for a consultation
Pair of gold armlets, BAJU BANDS, set with parab cut saphires. The reverse is decorated with multicolored enamel, depicting birds and flowers.
The tradition of wearing Baju bands was inherited by the Mughals from their ancestors, the Timurids. The word Baju band is derived from baju, meaning arm and band, meaning closers, and is worn on the upper arm. The most traditional form of the Baju band was composed of a large stone of exceedingly high quality, for example an emerald, which, in the days of the Mughals, came from Colombia via the Portuguese and flanked by two pearls.
They became more ornate through the centuries and were another form of displaying the fines gems, particularly when a number were worn together. It was symbolic of aristocraxy, masculinity and their role as conquerors, but the practice of wearing Baju bands began as an amulet to guard the wearer form his enemies in battle. They were usually composed of stones which had been astrologically chosen to ward off certain malefic effects, later a more decorative role took on and became an important accessory to the king. They became more significant during the provincial rule, when all the Maharajas wore them to identify their role.
Literature
Catalogue Schmuck der Maharajas, page 77
Kumar & Krishnan Dance of the Peacock, page 184, ill. 291
Untracht, Oppi Traditional Jewelry of India, page 250, ill. 560
