Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Owning some of the most extravagant and fabulous pieces of jewellery in the world just comes with the territory when you are married to the Aga Khan. Such was the case for Princess Andrée, the Parisian shop owner turned royal, who became the third wife of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, in 1929.

Amongst her trousseau was an Egyptian style diamond and platinum tiara from Cartier, bought by her new husband in 1934. It features stylised lotus flowers set onto a diamond band, and is intended to be worn high on the head.

Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, born on November 2, 1877, was the 48th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Through his intimate knowledge of diverse cultural traditions, he played a unique and significant role in the international affairs of his time, and his long public career had many dimensions.

A social reformer, whose concerns included the alleviation of rural poverty and the upliftment of women in society, he was an advocate of modern education and became an ardent supporter of male and female educational advancement in the subcontinent.