Diamonds with an origin in the famed Golconda diamond mines are indeed highly sought after. The Seraphim Blue Diamond has been the topic in many reports in recent times. The diamond is believed to have a fine blue color and high clarity, it has not been seen for centuries. Going by the stories published so far, the Seraphim Blue Diamond is believed to have been mined in the Golconda region. It is also claimed that the blue diamond has tremendous historic significance as, it was worn by Asaf Jah 1 (around 1724) the first Nizam of Hyderabad, in a high value turban ornament. 

GOLCONDA DIAMOND MINES

The Golconda region (modern-day Telangana, India) was once the only known source of diamonds in the world. The diamondmines in the Golconda region, produced legendary diamonds centuries before diamonds were discovered in Brazil or Africa.Some of history’s most famous diamonds—like the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, Regent, Seraphim Blue Diamond (claimed) and Daria-i-Noor—came from Golconda. The link to the Nizams does make it likely that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was mined in the Golconda region. 

SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND 

While the Seraphim Blue Diamond has not been seen for centuries and has never, been put up at any high profile auction – there is something about the story of this Golconda blue diamond that, keeps diamond experts in a positive frame of mind. Multiple reports from different sources, have a similar narrative. Interest levels are high and big auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s are always, eager to manage the auction for Golconda diamonds with an illustrative provenance. 

DIAMOND MINES CONTROL

The point is that the Mughals controlled the Golconda diamond mines for a long time, the region then came under Nizam rule when Asaf Jah 1, took control of Hyderabad and the surrounding Deccan region. Besides maintaining tight security at the diamond mines and in the river beds nearby, the Nizams also ensured that they got a portion of the funds generated through diamond trade. The narrative across reports that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond had its origin in the Golconda diamond mines and was, in the possession of the first Nizam – does seem believable. 

ROYAL PROVENANCE 

Many Golconda diamonds come with a rich royal or historical provenance, often tied to Mughals, Nizams, Persian shahs, or European royalty. It is also true that the Nizams, did not maintain meticulous records of their treasures. Diamonds and jewelry were often transferred, sold, stolen or gifted without, any official record. Commercial scale mining at the Golconda diamond mines, ended centuries ago. This makes Golconda-origin diamonds incredibly rare and increasingly valuable in the collector’s market.

CERTIFICATION ESSENTIAL 

It is true that the high importance attached to Golconda diamonds, does at times generate rumors and stories that are mere fairytales! Experienced diamond auction bidders and reputed auction houses, take no chances. They expect to have access to official certifications related, to all claimed properties and features of a diamond. In the case of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, a certificate confirming the Golconda diamond mine origin and a confirmation of the diamond being linked to the Nizams, would be expected. The diamond itself will need to be certified on features related to color, clarity, size, shape and weight. And in the case of an auction related to the diamond, registered bidders would request, for an opportunity to inspect the actual diamond. 

SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND STORY

The story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond is truly fascinating,much information is available online – a quick summary is presented here. Narratives being reported in various reports claim that, the diamond was worn by the first Nizam in a turban ornament. The second Nizam transferred the diamond to the French, this as a form of payment for military protection. It is believed that the diamond is currently, part of a high value collection in Europe – some reports specify Russia as the location. 

SUMMARY

The positive impact of a Golconda diamond mine origin, on price and a winning auction bid, would be significant. The question related to the Golconda region origin, for the Seraphim Blue Diamond is therefore very relevant. The connection between the blue diamond and the Nizams, would also have a positive impact on price. Nothing said, read or published on these aspects of the diamond – could replace official certifications from reputed certifying and testing laboratories.