Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Mughal Mystery Surrounds Emerald-Lensed ‘Gate of Paradise’ Spectacles
These unusual spectacles have lenses made from green emerald instead of glass.
The lenses were carved from one very large gemstone.
The stone weighed more than 300 carats and may have come from Colombia.
The lenses are shaped like drops and are flat-cut.
The original spectacles did not have a frame.
A gold and silver frame with diamonds was added much later, in the 19th century.
The article says green had important spiritual meanings in Mughal culture.
It was associated with protection, healing, and spiritual enlightenment.
The spectacles feature flat-cut, drop-shaped lenses carved from emerald.
The emerald lenses were made from a single gemstone weighing over 300 carats.
The stone is believed to have originated in Colombia.
A gold-and-silver frame decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds was added in the 19th century.
The use of emerald may reflect green’s spiritual importance in Mughal culture.
- Who
- The makers and original owner are not identified in the article.
- What
- A pair of spectacles with emerald lenses, known as the “Gate of Paradise” spectacles.
- When
- The lenses existed before the 19th century; the gold-and-silver diamond frame was added during the 19th century.
- Where
- The article associates the spectacles with Mughal culture and says the emerald is believed to be of Columbian origin.
- Why
- The choice of emerald may have reflected the spiritual significance of green in Mughal culture.
- Lens material
- Emerald
- Gemstone size
- More than 300 carats
- Gemstone origin
- Believed to be Columbian
- Lens shape
- Drop-shaped and flat-cut
- Original construction
- The emerald lenses made up the entire pair until the 19th century
- Later additions
- A gold-and-silver frame decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds
- Cultural symbolism
- Green was associated with protection from evil, physical healing, and spiritual enlightenment