Yesterday I had the opportunity to see the Priprahwa gemstones, which will go up for auction in Hong Kong in May. https://www.sothebys.com/en/auction-catalogue/2025/the-piprahwa-gems-of-the-historical-buddha?locale=en&s=intro

They were quite something to behold, especially as I had them nearly to myself. Apart from the two guards, my companion and I only had to share the space for a few minutes with a woman who circumambulated the collection and quietly recited some mantras.

Specifically, I am curious about the gemological makeup of the collection. I know there are aquamarines, carnelians, and garnets but I am curious if the collection includes any precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, etc., or if the collection is limited to only semi-precious/fine and ornamental stones.

The Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha | intro | Sotheby's

Sotheby’s is honoured to present the Piprahwa gems, appearing for the first time in Hong Kong. The 1898 discovery of these gems by William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa in northern India — where they were found buried together in reliquaries with the corporeal relics of the Historical Buddha — ranks among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.

www.sothebys.com

Patricia Sauthoff

司徒雛菊

Assistant Professor

Department of History

Hong Kong Baptist University

Current project: Mineral and Metal Anti-Aging Recipes in Rasaśāstra

Author: Illness and Immortality

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