Golconda diamonds, originating from the historic mines near Golconda Fort in India, are renowned for their exceptional purity, Type IIa classification, and remarkable brilliance. Among these, blue diamonds (Type IIb) are particularly rare and highly coveted by collectors, often commanding record-breaking prices at prestigious auctions.
Many lists of “top” Golconda blue diamonds often omit critical details that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of these extraordinary gems. These omissions could include aspects like provenance, historical significance, ownership lineage, and the impact of recutting on the diamonds’ characteristics.
In this report we talk about 3 blue diamonds from the prestigious Golconda diamond mines. Each of these diamonds has, some very interesting but often ignored, pieces of information.
These 3 Golconda Blue Diamonds Are:
The Tavernier Blue Diamond (Possibly Recut)
The Seraphim Blue Diamond (Elusive)
The Idol’s Eye Diamond (Possibly)
The Tavernier Blue Diamond (Possibly Recut):
Believed to have been sourced from the Kollur mine in the Golconda region of India.
During the French Revolution in 1792, the French Blue was stolen from the royal treasury. It resurfaced in London in 1812, just after the 20-year statute of limitations for recovering stolen property had expired. The diamond had been recut into a 45.52-carat gem, later named the Hope Diamond after its owner, Henry Philip Hope.
In 2007, a lead model of the French Blue was discovered in the collections of the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle in Paris. This model provided crucial evidence supporting the theory that the Hope Diamond was cut from the French Blue.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond (Elusive):
Rumors relate this blue diamond to an opulent turban ornament, worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad. There has been sporadic mention for years about two diamond turban ornaments worn by the first Nizam on special occasions. One of these apparently had a rare vivid blue diamond, the other had a pink diamond. Considering that both these fancy colored diamonds are believed to have originated in the Golconda diamond mines – it is the pink diamond that would surprise even seasoned diamond experts.
Reports of a fancy vivid blue diamond from the Nizam’s collection, being part of a private European collection have raised interest even among professional diamond collectors. The diamond is believed to be the Golconda blue diamond that was once set in one of the diamond turban ornaments that we mentioned above. The piece is being referred to as the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Some writers have concluded that the name Seraphim has been derived from the Indian word ‘sarpetch’ meaning, decoration (ornament) on the head.
For now diamond collectors and auction houses hold their excitement. Official authentication of the fascinating story and the Seraphim Blue Diamond itself, will be eagerly awaited.
The Idol’s Eye Diamond (Possibly):
While the Seraphim Blue Diamond narrative seems to fit into earlier rumors about a missing blue diamond turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1, the Idol’s Eye Diamond has also been at the center of many debates.
Just to recap, this report is all about 3 blue diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines. While similar lists very often mention the Idol’s Eye Diamond as being a Golconda blue diamond – the fact is that a significant number of diamond experts are not convinced that this famed diamond originated in the Golconda diamond mines! But that does not stop writers from faithfully including The Idol’s Eye Diamond, in the list of world famous Golconda blue diamonds!
NOTES
Historic diamonds often come with a trail of rumors and fascinating stories—some rooted in fact, others likely fictional. However, seasoned diamond collectors and reputable auction houses ultimately rely on official authentication from trusted gemological laboratories before forming a final opinion.
