A glittering exhibition exploring the opulence of India’s royal courts will bring together more than 250 objects, including thrones, gem-encrusted weapons and a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I.

Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts, will open at the V&A on Saturday, with many objects on loan to Britain for the first time from India’s royal collections. The museum said that the exhibition would be the first comprehensively to explore the world of the maharajas and their rich culture.

A preview of some of the objects yesterday included a life-sized model elephant adorned with jewellery, part of a recreation of a royal procession and a canopy of precious stones.

Mark Jones, director of the V&A, said: “There has never been an exhibition like this before, showing the spectacular treasures of the courts of the maharajas.” Saris designed by leading French couture houses and jewellery commissioned from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels will also be on display, until January 17.

The exhibition includes the Patiala Necklace, part of Cartier’s largest commission. Completed in 1928 and restored in 2002, this piece of ceremonial jewellery originally contained 2,930 diamonds and weighed almost a thousand carats.

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010