Golconda Diamonds

The Golconda diamond mines are located in the Deccan region of South India, primarily around the area near the Golconda Fort, which is close to Hyderabad in the present-day state of Telangana, India. Commercial mining at the diamond mines in Golconda, ceased centuries ago. These mines were at one time regarded as, the most resourceful diamond mines on the planet.

HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER

The lure of diamonds from the Golconda mines continues to captivate gem collectors, historians, and connoisseurs alike. These mines were active as far back as the 4th century BCE and flourished until about the 18th century, when they were largely depleted or abandoned. The rarity of diamonds from this region today makes any gem of confirmed Golconda origin especially precious and historically significant.

 LEGENDARY GOLCONDA DIAMONDS

World-famous diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, and Regent Diamond all trace their origins to Golconda. Their journeys through royal hands and empires only enhance their mystique. There were a number of fine Golconda diamonds which included both white (colorless), blue and pink (very rare) – that ‘leaked’ out of royal treasuries. Such cases were common during the Mughal and subsequent Nizam rule. Rumors related to the current status and location, of some of these elusive diamonds can be heard even today.  Much research and reputed certifications are required, to separate facts from mere fairytales!

DIAMOND MINE LOCATIONS

The diamond mines were concentrated along the banks of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, and in districts such as Guntur, Krishna, Kurnool, and Mahbubnagar. Although very rare, diamonds from the mines in Golconda have been found in riverbeds and streams, in recent times. It is possible that, these diamonds ran down from weathered rocks, also likely that diamonds that (1 to 3 carat range) considered to be ‘small’ centuries ago, were allowed to get washed away. This as focus was given to securing, larger pieces of diamonds from the diamond mines in Golconda.

THE ROYAL TOUCH

Golconda diamonds were once the prized possessions of emperors, sultans, and nobility — including the Mughals and the Nizams of Hyderabad. The Moghul rule in the Deccan region weakened after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. Observing that the Deccan including Hyderabad, were being neglected – Asaf Jah 1 an able administrator working for the Moghuls, took control of the region in 1724. He avoided a backlash from the Moghuls by continuing to maintain, a loose connection with the Moghuls.

THE NIZAM CONNECTION

The Golconda diamond mines fell within the territory controlled by Asaf Jah 1 and his military. Naming himself as the first Nizam, Asaf Jah 1 started the Nizam dynasty. The reign of the Nizams over Hyderabad and the Deccan region, began in 1724 and ended in 1948. That was the time when India, abolished the concept of princely states and included Hyderabad as a part of India. The Nizam rule spanned a total of 7 Nizams.

The Nizams maintained tight control over diamond trade in the region. High security was maintained at the mining sites and surrounding areas where, the related rivers and streams ran. They were aware that some diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines, could drop into the flowing waters and be carried downstream. 

While the finest of Golconda diamonds were added to the Nizam's treasury, a number of smaller pieces were allowed to be sold to diamond traders and jewelers. Interestingly those were the times when, a diamond below 5 carats was considered to be 'small'. Times have changed and even a 2+ carat diamond, would command a premium per carat price today!

It is true that the Nizams built a wealthy empire during their reign but, a lesser known fact is a significant portion of the revenue received by the Nizams, was allocated to the development of Hyderabad and used for the welfare of the people. Revenue from the Golconda diamond trade, helped develop infrastructure and services for public use. 

INDIAN TREASURY

The Indian government took a significant number of valuables from the Nizam’s treasury, some of these were distributed among descendants and relatives of the Nizam. This explains why the Indian treasury includes, opulent jewels and rare Golconda diamonds. While it is true that diamonds from the Golconda mines, were also part of the Moghul wealth – the gradual fall of the Moghul rule, saw many treasures being stolen, sold, recut (diamonds) or transferred without any official records. The Moghuls controlled the Golconda diamond mines, at a time when they (the mines), were extremely productive.

GOLCONDA DIAMONDS SUMMARY

A roundup of the major diamond mining locations in the Golconda region, none of these mines are commercially mined today. The Kollur Mine (near present-day Guntur district): Produced several legendary diamonds including the Koh-i-Noor. The other well known diamond mines in the Golconda region were, Paritala, Banikpur, and Partialur.

Golconda diamonds, especially the famed Type IIa stones, are virtually free of nitrogen impurities — giving them a rare, water-clear brilliance. Only a small percentage of diamonds worldwide fall into this category.

While most diamonds sourced from the Golconda mines were white (colorless), a few rare fancy color diamonds were also discovered. These gained significant attention—particularly the blue and pink varieties, which were exceptionally rare and highly prized.

With commercial mining in the Golconda region having ceased centuries ago, genuine Golconda diamonds are incredibly rare. This scarcity significantly elevates their value and desirability.

For centuries, owning a Golconda diamond has been seen as a sign of opulence, power, and refined taste — a status symbol that transcends time and culture.

Myths of missing royal diamonds, secret gifts from the Nizams, and untraced treasures buried or gifted away continue to feed the intrigue. Even today, occasional rumors of Golconda-origin diamonds surfacing cause ripples among, professional diamond collectors and reputed auction houses.