~Victoria and Albert Museum~

I had enough of snow days (#3) today and packed the kids off on the train for a day at the Victoria and Albert Museum. A perfect day to view: 

Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts

I am speechless. The world of the maharajas and their culture was beyond anything I could imagine. This exhibition covers the period from the beginning of the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is rich in history with over 250 amazing objects. Pictures were not allowed which was a shame because their was so much I would have loved to share. I did come across this stunning necklace which was the most incredible thing I have ever seen.

Maharaja of Patiala

In addition to Saris and jewelry commisioned from Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels there was this little treasure, Cartier's Patiala Necklace.  It was made for the Maharaja of Patiala in 1928. When completed it had 2,930 diamonds with the pale yellow diamond in the center (size of a golf ball) weighing 234.69 carats. The necklace was sold in bits and pieces by the family over time. Cartier restored the necklace (cubic zirconium) and they say it now looks like the original to the untrained eye. No matter to me, it glittered, it sparkled it made me go weak at the knees. I now appreciate the meaning of 'diamonds are a girls best friend'. Besties forever in my book!

I couldn't leave without taking a photo of this dear angel.

..and of course there is always the gift shop. 

I have a weakness for museum gift shops. 

Ok, maybe I spent a bit longer in the gift shop than I should have....but it was fun!

I bought a book and postcards...I was a good girl:)

on the way home...a quick pic of the Natural History Museum.

Snow day #3 accomplished. It is the weekend. Hooray!

Hope you have a sensational one!!

Information on necklace sourced from The Sikh Foundation

Image of Marahaja of Patiala from Sikh.p.u.l.s.e.

Image of Patiala necklace https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u2j89fByEWM96znfmKMxfOaipyrCGvCdt_8N7gpvBEyyYpPQsp3AdVhXSYehbBZQuBckBgdKYws_GIP6SOQin_IRtJe1pkod7EEMxrMTv5dQjUaPHauAz4yLPXKn0CVxkQHInPA_OTt8/

Last image of Natural History Museum taken by me