Mughal Era Eyeglasses Saled By Auction

At Sotheby's bi-annual Arts of the Islamic World and India auction in London, a pair of unique bejewelled eyeglasses will be up for auction on 27 October. They are not normal bejewelled eyeglasses.

This diamond pair named the ‘Halo of Light’, and the emerald named the ‘Gate of Paradise’.

The eyeglasses are fabled to have been entrusted by an unknown prince in 17th century Mughal India. The Mughals were known for their dedication towards the arts, upholding scientific temper and knowledge, therefore, these eyeglasses are suited symbols of their creativity.

An artist had shaped a diamond weight is over 200 carats, and emerald weighing at least 300 carats, into the two masterworks today. There are no comparable examples of the technical skills involved. In circa 1890, the lenses were embedded in new frames and embellished with rose-cut diamonds.

Gemstone eyeglasses were not only used by improve sight, they were believed to facilitate spiritual enlightenment, with diamonds thought to illuminate and emeralds believed to have powers to heal and to ward off evil.