Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja recently inherited the royal title of Jam Saheb of Jamnagar, placing him at the helm of a centuries-old royal legacy. With this inheritance, Jadeja’s net worth has reportedly soared beyond Rs 1,400 crore, making him one of India’s wealthiest sports figures. Alongside various ancestral assets, Jadeja inherits the rich heritage associated with the Jamnagar royal family, including the story of the Toussaint necklace, once a magnificent piece of jewelry renowned across the globe.
Origins of the Toussaint Necklace in the Jamnagar Family
The Toussaint necklace, commissioned by Nawab Ranjitsinhji Jadeja in 1931, was once a prized possession of the Jamnagar royals. Known for its grandeur, the necklace was crafted by the legendary French jeweler Cartier and named after Cartier’s designer, Jeanne Toussaint. This unique piece was influenced by the Art Deco movement and inspired by traditional Indian royal jewelry, with elements that drew from Mughal aesthetics.
An Extraordinary Display of Rare Diamonds
The Toussaint necklace featured two intricate diamond-studded strings, linked by pink diamonds and highlighted by a rare 136.25-carat blue diamond, famously known as the “Queen of Holland” diamond. Additionally, the necklace included a 26-carat blue diamond and a 12-carat green diamond, adding to its overall splendor. Experts believe the blue diamond likely originated from the Deccan region in India, as it resembled the color of Golconda diamonds, although it was found in Amsterdam around 1904.
A Legacy Cut Short
The necklace’s story took an unexpected turn in 1960, when it was dismantled. By then, Ranjitsinhji’s successor, Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, had worn it on several notable occasions. Following its disassembly, Cartier repurchased the Queen of Holland diamond and sold it to William Goldberg in 1978. The diamond was later re-cut, weighing 135.92 carats, and is now reportedly owned by Robert Mouawad, former chairman of the renowned jewelry brand, Mouawad.
Ajay Jadeja’s New Royal Title and Heritage
With his ascension as the Jam Saheb of Jamnagar, Ajay Jadeja has become the guardian of a royal legacy intertwined with cricket and history. Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the original owner of the Toussaint necklace, was a celebrated cricketer who left a remarkable impact on both the sport and royal heritage. This legacy now passes on to Ajay, a fitting successor who has carried the Jadeja name in cricket. Although the Toussaint necklace no longer remains with the family, its story continues to symbolize the grandeur and legacy of the Jamnagar royals.
Priceless Heritage and the Jamnagar Family’s Rich Past
Today, the Toussaint necklace stands as a reminder of the unmatched heritage of the Jamnagar royal family. Valued at over Rs 12,650 crore, it remains a part of jewelry history, celebrated for its extravagant design and unique origin. Ajay Jadeja’s inheritance marks a new chapter in the royal story of Jamnagar, linking cricket, royalty, and the extraordinary artistry of the Toussaint necklace.
