The Patiala Ruby Choker: A Royal Legacy in Rubies, Diamonds and Pearls
Jewelry can preserve history in a way few other objects can.
A photograph may capture a moment, and a written story may record an event, but a historic jewel can carry both. It can reveal something about the people who wore it, the traditions they followed, the craftsmanship of its time, and the world in which it was created.
For Jyotsna “Joey” Singh, designer of Manjusha Jewels and granddaughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, this connection to history is deeply personal.
Her family’s association with the Patiala royal household has played an important role in shaping her appreciation for gemstones, fine craftsmanship, and jewelry with a strong sense of heritage.
Among the many jewels associated with the Patiala royal legacy, one piece stands apart for its dramatic combination of rubies, diamonds, and natural pearls:
The Patiala Ruby Choker.
The Royal Legacy of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh ruled the princely state of Patiala from 1900 to 1938. He became known for his grand lifestyle, appreciation for fine objects, and remarkable collection of jewels.
His passion for jewelry contributed to some of the most memorable pieces associated with the Patiala royal family.
For Joey, this history is more than an interesting chapter in India’s royal past. It is part of her own family story.
Growing up with a connection to the Patiala royal lineage gave her a unique perspective on the way jewelry can carry memories from one generation to another.
That influence can be seen throughout her work for Manjusha Jewels, where historical inspiration is often interpreted through contemporary design.
The Famous Patiala Necklace
When people think about the jewelry of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, the Patiala Necklace is often the first piece that comes to mind.
Created by Cartier for the Maharaja, the spectacular necklace was once centered around the famous De Beers yellow diamond, weighing more than 234 carats.
The necklace became one of the most recognizable examples of royal Indian jewelry and remains an important part of the story surrounding the Patiala treasury.
But the Patiala Necklace is not the only extraordinary jewel connected to this royal collection.
For Joey, another piece is particularly captivating—the Patiala Ruby Choker.
The Patiala Ruby Choker
The Patiala Ruby Choker is an extraordinary combination of deep crimson rubies, diamonds, and natural pearls.
The piece was reportedly gifted by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh to one of his wives and was originally part of a much larger, multi-layered ruby necklace.
Its design reflects the opulence associated with royal Indian jewelry while also incorporating the refined geometric character of the Art Deco period.
The rich red of the rubies creates a dramatic contrast with the brilliance of the diamonds and the softer glow of natural pearls.
Together, these materials create a jewel that feels both powerful and elegant.
A Jewel Recreated From the Past
Like many historic jewels, the Patiala Ruby Choker has undergone changes over time.
The version known today was rediscovered in a shortened form and later restored by Cartier in 2000.
Its journey did not end there.
The choker eventually became part of The Al Thani Collection, one of the world’s notable collections of historic jewelry and decorative arts.
The piece was also presented through public exhibitions, allowing a new generation of visitors to experience an important example of Indian royal jewelry.
A $975,000 Auction Result
The Patiala Ruby Choker also attracted considerable attention when it was offered through Christie’s, where it achieved a realized price of approximately $975,000.
Its value, however, extends beyond its monetary worth.
Historic jewelry can provide an extraordinary connection to the past. The materials themselves may have existed for generations, while the craftsmanship reflects the artistic language and technical abilities of the period in which the jewel was created.
For collectors and historians, that combination of provenance, design, gemstones, and craftsmanship can make a historic jewel particularly significant.
Joey’s Personal Connection to the Choker
For Joey, seeing the Patiala Ruby Choker in person was an especially meaningful experience.
The jewel was displayed as part of the East Meets West exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco from November 2018 through February 2019.
Being able to stand in front of a jewel connected to her grandfather’s era—and to the royal heritage that shaped her family—created a powerful sense of connection between past and present.
Instead of experiencing the piece only through photographs or historical references, Joey was able to see its craftsmanship and gemstones firsthand.
For a jewelry designer, experiences like this can be profoundly inspiring.
The Maharaja and His Family Jewels
Historic photographs provide another glimpse into the Patiala royal family’s relationship with jewelry.
One photograph from around 1931 depicts Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala with members of his family. One of the women in the portrait can be seen wearing the Patiala Ruby Choker and its accompanying necklace.
Images like this transform a jewel from an object in a display case into something much more personal.
We can see how it was worn, how it interacted with clothing and ceremonial dress, and how jewelry formed an important part of royal life.
Jewelry That Connects Generations
The Patiala Ruby Choker is not the only piece of royal jewelry that holds special meaning for Joey.
Within her family is another remarkable piece: a diamond and ruby nose ring that belonged to the crown jewel collection.
Unlike the internationally exhibited Patiala jewels, this family heirloom remained largely private.
It was passed down through four generations of women, preserving a personal history that could not be found in a museum catalogue.
For Joey, this kind of jewelry represents something deeply meaningful.
The true value of an heirloom is not necessarily determined by its auction price or the size of its gemstones. Sometimes its greatest value comes from the people who wore it and the stories that travel with it.
The Story Lives On
The family nose ring eventually continued its journey into another generation through Joey’s granddaughter, Aanya.
In this way, a jewel that began its story generations earlier continues to carry its history forward.
This is one of the most beautiful qualities of jewelry.
A piece can outlive its original owner, cross borders and generations, and still retain the emotional connection of the people who inherit it.
The gemstones remain, but the meaning grows.
Inspiration for Modern Jewelry Design
Joey’s connection to Patiala’s royal history naturally influences the creative philosophy behind Manjusha Jewels.
Rather than simply recreating historic jewelry, the brand draws inspiration from the colors, materials, craftsmanship, symbolism, and stories associated with India’s rich artistic heritage.
Rubies, diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones can be interpreted in contemporary ways while still retaining a connection to the past.
This balance between history and modern design is central to the Manjusha Jewels aesthetic.
Why Ruby Jewelry Feels So Regal
Rubies have long been associated with power, passion, celebration, and luxury.
Their intense red color naturally creates a sense of drama, particularly when paired with diamonds and precious metals.
In historic Indian jewelry, rubies have frequently appeared in elaborate necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and ceremonial pieces.
The Patiala Ruby Choker demonstrates how effectively the gemstone can become the focal point of an important jewel.
Its combination of red rubies, sparkling diamonds, and natural pearls creates a visual balance that remains striking even decades after its original creation.
More Than a Historic Necklace
The Patiala Ruby Choker is undoubtedly a remarkable piece of jewelry, but its importance goes beyond its design.
It represents royal history.
It represents craftsmanship.
It represents the journey of precious materials across generations.
And for Joey, it represents a personal connection to her family’s past.
Standing in front of the choker at the de Young Museum offered her a rare opportunity to see a piece of that history preserved in tangible form.
The Beauty of a Living Legacy
History becomes most powerful when it continues to influence the present.
The Patiala royal jewels have survived through photographs, collections, exhibitions, family stories, and contemporary interpretations.
For Manjusha Jewels, this continuing connection is a source of creative inspiration.
Joey’s work demonstrates that heritage does not have to remain frozen in the past. It can be reinterpreted, redesigned, and carried forward through modern jewelry.
That is the true beauty of a living legacy.
Conclusion
The Patiala Ruby Choker is more than an extraordinary arrangement of rubies, diamonds, and pearls.
It is a window into India’s royal history and a reminder of the craftsmanship, traditions, and stories that can be preserved through jewelry.
For Jyotsna “Joey” Singh, the story has an even deeper meaning. As the granddaughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, she has a personal connection to the heritage surrounding these remarkable jewels.
From the famous Patiala Necklace to the Ruby Choker and the heirlooms preserved within her own family, each piece represents another chapter in a much larger story.
And as Joey continues creating contemporary jewelry through Manjusha Jewels, that story moves forward—connecting generations through the enduring beauty of gemstones and design.
Because when jewelry carries history, wearing it can become a way of keeping that history alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Patiala Ruby Choker?
The Patiala Ruby Choker is a historic jewel associated with Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. It features rich red rubies, diamonds, and natural pearls and was originally part of a larger multi-layered ruby necklace.
Q2: Who commissioned the famous Patiala Necklace?
The famous Patiala Necklace was commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and created by Cartier. Its original centerpiece included the famous De Beers yellow diamond weighing more than 234 carats.
Q3: Who was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala?
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh ruled Patiala from 1900 to 1938 and was known for his interest in sports, culture, luxury, and exceptional jewelry.
Q4: Who is Jyotsna “Joey” Singh?
Jyotsna “Joey” Singh is the designer behind Manjusha Jewels and a granddaughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Her family heritage has influenced her approach to jewelry design and gemstones.
Q5: Where was the Patiala Ruby Choker exhibited?
The Patiala Ruby Choker was featured in public exhibitions, including the East Meets West exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco from November 2018 to February 2019.
Q6: How much did the Patiala Ruby Choker sell for at auction?
According to the original Manjusha Jewels article, the choker achieved a realized price of approximately $975,000 at Christie’s.
Q7: What gemstones are used in the Patiala Ruby Choker?
The historic piece features red rubies, diamonds, and natural pearls.
Q8: Why is the Patiala Ruby Choker historically important?
Its importance comes from its connection to the Patiala royal family, its exceptional gemstone combination, its historical provenance, its Cartier restoration, and its place within the history of Indian royal jewelry.
For more information about the history and craftsmanship of historic jewelry, visit the Cartier official website.