BLAZE OF JEWELS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 355, 5 April 1910, Page 8

BLAZE OF JEWELS

HALF A MILLION IN GEMS ON THE STAGE OF INDIA. A dazzling display of costly gems on ,the stage is reported by the last Indian mail on the occasion of the production of the King of Cadonia," at the Empire Theatre, Calcutta. The actors and actresses in the Coronation scene wore jewels to the value 01 £500,000, lent in honor of the theatre's anniversary by Messrs Rai Buddri, Dos Bahadur and Sons. Miss Beech had a diamond tiara with emeralds and rubies, an equally gorgeous diamond necklace, and a diamond collar. Mr. McGrath, as the King, wore an emerald and diamond belt, over 150 •years old, set with the largest emeralds extant and worn .by one of the ancient ruling princes of India. He. wore besides numerous orders set with precious stones and a beautiful emerald and pearl drop neckband. The jewellery worn by the ladies of the company included:—

Diamond and turquoise necklace with diamond and pearl collarband and diamond and turquoise tiara. Diamond and ruby necklace set with a huge Burma rubv weighing over 900 carats, diamond and ruby collar, and diamond and ruby tiara. A magnificent ruby and diamond necklace, a pearl collar, diamond and pearl tiara. A magnificent diamond and emerald necklace valued at more than £50,001). a magnificent diamond, pearl and emerald collar, and diamond and emerald tiara. Nine-gem necklace valued at about £2OOO. " The doors were guarded by police, and the most elaborate precautions were taken to protect the ladies from any possibility of a raid on the stage.