Indian design was a prolific influence in Carlo Giuliano’s style. Already seen at the 1851 Great Exhibition, interest in technicolour jewellery from the sub-continent rose to new levels when Victoria became Empress of India in 1876.
The Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886 held in South Kensington to – in the words of the Prince of Wales – “stimulate commerce and strengthen the bonds of union now existing in every portion of Her Majesty’s Empire”, included a spectacular collection of Indian jewels.