| Type of stone | Emerald |
|---|---|
| Weight | 217.80 carats (43.560 g) |
| Dimensions | 2.06 in × 1.56 in × 1.56 in (5.2 cm × 4.0 cm × 4.0 cm) |
| Color | Emerald green |
| Country of origin |  Colombia |
| Original owner | Mughal Empire |
| Owner | Museum of Islamic Art, Doha |
| Estimated value | £1,543,750 |
TheMogul Mughal Emerald is one of the largestemeralds known.
Auction houseChristie's described it as follows:
The rectangular-cut emerald known as 'The Mogul Mughal' weighing 217.80 carats, the obverse engraved withShi'a invocations in elegantnaskh script, dated 1107 A.H., the reverse carved all over with foliate decoration, the central rosette flanked by single large poppy flowers, with a line of three smaller poppy flowers either side, the bevelled edges carved with cross pattern incisions and herringbone decoration, each of the four sides drilled for attachments, 2.06 by 1.56 by 1.56 inches (5.2 by 4.0 by 4.0 cm).[1]
Originally mined inColombia, it was sold inIndia, where emeralds were much desired by the rulers of theMughal Empire. The Mogul Mughal is unique among Mughal emeralds[2] in bearing a date – 1107 A.H. (1695–1696 AD) – which is within the reign ofAurangzeb, the sixth emperor. However, the Mughal rulers wereSunni, whereas the inscription – aheterodoxSalawat dedicated toHassan ibn Ali andHusayn ibn Ali[citation needed] also known as 'Nad e Ali' – is Shi'a, making it likely that it belonged not to Aurangzeb, but to one of his courtiers or officers.[1][2]
It was sold on 27 September 2001 by Christie's for £1,543,750, includingbuyer's premium.[1] As of 17 December 2008, it was in the possession of theMuseum of Islamic Art, Doha,Qatar.[2][3]
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