Are These Antique Mughal Frames The Most Expensive Sunglasses In The World?
Vintage eyewear is our passion, but right now we’re intrigued by antique sunglasses. The eyewear world was treated to a luxurious blast from the past last October, when Sotheby’s auctioned two pairs of sunglasses made entirely of precious stones from 17th century India. The unique sunglasses, once the property of royals from the Mughal Empire, feature opulent emerald lenses and diamond-encrusted frames in a delicate pince-nez silhouette. They would be a rare treat for any eyewear enthusiast, antique lover, or gemstone aficionados, but their price point isn’t exactly accessible. Auctioned at a whopping $3.5 million each, they might be the most expensive antique sunglasses in the world.
Like many antiques, these sunglasses come with a fascinating backstory. The lavish gemstones weren’t just used for decoration; they were specially chosen to help the wearer reach enlightenment and ward off evil. Glistening diamonds were said to represent celestial light in Indian and Islamic societies, while brightly coloured gems were considered ‘vehicles for astral forces’. Emeralds, in particular, were linked to paradise, eternity, and salvation. In fact, the emerald pair has been nicknamed the ‘Gate of Paradise’ glasses, while the diamond style is called the ‘Halo of Light’.
The striking sunglasses are an immaculate fusion of advanced Mughal craftsmanship and European style. Jewelry design was greatly enhanced across South Asia during the Mughal Empire, with many styles expertly handcrafted by artisans in the region. Gemstone cutters learned to cut the gemstones with an incredible level of precision that has preserved their beauty to this day. The narrow, pince-nez inspired design is thought to be influenced by European gemologists who were visiting India at the time.
Although the sunglasses are small, the gemstones that embellish them are mighty. The Halo of Light spectacles are thought to be carved out of a 200-carat diamond from the Golconda region of India, and the Gate of Paradise classes are believed to be made from a 300-carat Colombian emerald. These extravagant gemstones have led historians to speculate that the sunglasses could have only been owned by an Emperor.
The regal frames have influenced other eyewear designers since their reappearance at the Sotheby’s auction. Style icon Pharrell was spotted wearing a pair of Tiffany & Co sunglasses with diamond-encrusted frames, teardrop lenses, and emerald accents at the recent Kenzo autumn/winter 2022 fashion show. Part of his new collaboration with the renowned jewelry label, the inspiration behind the glamorous sunglasses seems clear.
Would you wear jewel-encrusted sunglasses? Stay tuned for the release of Andre Montana’s exclusive new designs that feature beautiful genuine gemstones!