India's Lost Jewels: From Koh-i-Noor to Margot Robbie's 'Taj Mahal' Diamond

• Many of South Asia's famous gems, including the Peacock Throne, Koh-i-Noor, and the 'Taj Mahal' diamond, crossed continents during the 18th–19th centuries, often as war booty or diplomatic 'gifts' under duress.
• Margot Robbie recently wore a vintage Cartier 'Taj Mahal' necklace, sparking renewed debate on the provenance of historic jewels and colonial-era dispersal.
• The 'Taj Mahal' diamond, originally gifted by Mughal Emperor Jahangir to Nur Jahan, later passed to Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, eventually acquired by Cartier and owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
• The Patiala Necklace, a 1925 Cartier commission for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, was dispersed after India's princely order collapsed, with parts later reconstructed by Cartier.
• The Peacock Throne, Koh-i-Noor, Darya-i-Noor, and Nashik diamond are prominent examples of India's iconic jewels that were taken to other nations, now residing in places like the British Crown Jewels, Iran's national treasure, and private collections.