Nita Ambani’s Mughal-era armband has slipped back into the spotlight, largely because of its staggering valuation — an estimated ₹200 crore. She wore the piece at last year’s Miss World finals, and many in the fashion world noted that it wasn’t just another luxury accessory. It’s believed to be the same armband once owned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler who built the Taj Mahal and was known for collecting some of the world’s finest gemstones.
The armband is crafted in gold, a metal the Mughal court favored for its richness and flexibility. Set into it are Golconda diamonds, bright Burmese rubies and spinels — a mix of deep red and sharp white stones that gives the piece its dramatic look. It’s designed in the old pacchi-kari style, which uses minimal gold coating while fitting the stones directly into place. At roughly 13.7 cm tall and nearly 20 cm wide, it’s a bold, oversized creation.
Experts say the diamonds are likely Type IIa, known for exceptional clarity and brightness. The rubies and spinels, prized during the Mughal period, add to the rarity. Combining stones of different hardness levels in one frame requires precise craftsmanship, something that also pushes up the historical value.
The combination of its royal lineage, rare materials and elaborate workmanship explains why the armband drew so much attention then — and why it continues to make headlines now.