Origin Seraphim Blue Diamond

With a few diamond traders claiming to have seen the Seraphim Blue Diamond in recent times, more detailed questions and even doubts are being raised. Previous reports claimed that, the high quality blue diamond, originated in the famed Golconda diamond mines. Royal connections have also been attributed to the Seraphim Blue Diamond. The often heard narrative is that, the diamond was worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad, in a luxuriant turban ornament. Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam started his reign over Hyderabad and the Deccan region, in 1724. The Golconda diamond mines happened to be located in that region, the Nizam was therefore in control of the mines and the overall diamond trade.

GOLCONDA DIAMOND MINES

There is something about the Golconda diamond mines that, makes diamonds originating from that region highly sought after. Before we debate the origin of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, a short note on some highlights on the Golconda mines.

The Golconda diamond mines, located near Hyderabad in India, were among the earliest and most famous diamond-producing regions in the world. For centuries, they were virtually the only known source of diamonds before significant discoveries were made in Brazil and later South Africa.

Talking about white (colorless) diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines. Golconda (white) diamonds are celebrated for their exceptional clarity (“water-like transparency”), lack of fluorescence, and superb brilliance. Stones from these mines often had fewer impurities, making them remarkably pure Type IIa diamonds.

A very small proportion of diamonds from the Golconda mines, are naturally contaminated with boron. Classified as Type IIb diamonds, these diamonds take on a blue color. Fancy color diamonds in general, are very rare and command high prices. And when the color diamond was mined in the Golconda region, exorbitant per carat prices are common. The Seraphim Blue Diamond, if it did originate from the Golconda diamond mines, would fall in the category.

Mentioning a few legendary diamonds that, have their origin in the famed Golconda mines. The Koh-I-Noor diamond which is currently part of the British Crown Jewels, Hope Diamond which famous for its rare blue color, Darya-i-Noor one of the largest pink diamonds. The diamond has a light pink color, Regent Diamond which was at one time worn by Napoleon. The Seraphim Blue Diamond, which seems to have been traced after centuries, claims to belong to this prestigious list of Golconda diamonds. While seasoned diamond experts can identify a Golconda diamond by visual inspection, an official certification from a reputed testing lab is always preferred.

The Golconda mines were worked as early as the 4th century BCE. The Mughals and then the Nizams, exercised control over the mines at different times. While large scale commercial mining at the Golconda diamond mines had, significantly slowed down by the time the Nizams took over – diamonds from those mines, were occasionally found in the surrounding streams and riverbeds. The explains why the Nizams ensured heavy security arrangements for the mines, and the areas that went downstream.

ROYAL TOUCH

The rulers that controlled the Golconda diamond mines, had first preference to valuable diamonds that were mined in the region. Commercial diamond trade flourished around that region, the rulers would control trade and keep a portion of the profits that was generated.

During their reign the Nizams made sure that a, portion of revenue from the diamond trade under their control, was earmarked for the development of Hyderabad. Historically the Nizams were genuinely concerned about, the welfare of the people living in the regions that they controlled.

Golconda diamonds were coveted by royalty, the Indian Maharajas and Mughal emperors had some fine Golconda diamonds in their treasury. The Persian and Ottoman royalty, were known to pay a high price for diamonds and especially for diamonds that originated in the Golconda diamond mines. European aristocracy and monarchs, acquired priceless diamonds often by coercion, theft and unfair practices.

Besides securing their diamonds in high security vaults and setting the diamonds in opulent jewelry, the rulers and especially the Nizams of Hyderabad, at times used Golconda diamonds as a source of funds (selling them) or as a mode of payment. Precious stones, lavish jewelry and high quality Golconda diamonds, were often gifted - to improve relations with aristocrats and other rulers.

The story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond reveals a classic example where, a high value Golconda blue diamond was used as a form of payment. The fine blue diamond which was worn in a turban ornament by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam, was handed over to the French by Asaf Jah II, the second Nizam of Hyderabad. The diamond was not transferred as a gesture of goodwill but, as payment for military support (from the French). It is not known whether, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was the whole payment or formed a part of it.

SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND ORIGIN

With all that background information, we now come to the main question in this report. Did the Seraphim Blue Diamond which was once, worn in a turban ornament worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad – originate in the famous Golconda diamond mines.

We first had numerous reports narrate a similar story for the Seraphim Blue Diamond, more recent stories claim that a few diamond connoisseurs, actually had a chance to have a look at the elusive Seraphim Blue Diamond. A high level of expertise would convince these experts that, the diamond was indeed extracted from the Golconda diamond mines.

There is one interesting fact about the origin of historic diamonds. Buyers, auction bidders and even reputed auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s – prefer to have an official certification of origin on record. This is true even if they happen to be, fully convinced about a Golconda origin. This is a third party certification provided by a reputed diamond testing laboratory, that has no commercial interest in the diamond that is being certified.

Given the high per carat prices that Golconda diamonds command, it is important to meticulously validate claims of a Golconda origin for a diamond. Combine the Nizam (royal) connection and the fine blue color of the Seraphim Blue diamond and, you can visualize an exorbitantly priced historic diamond – a true legend.

The important part is that, a dozen or even a hundred reports claiming a Golconda origin for the Seraphim Blue Diamond – are not enough to certify the origin. Insurance companies, auction houses and even auction bidders and high dollar diamond buyers, would prefer to have a third party certification for every diamond that they procure or auction.

Highlights of the Seraphim Blue Diamond like fine blue color, high clarity rating and a royal connection that dates back to 1724 are all amazing but, the Golconda origin is the big game changer. What is needed is an official certification from one of the top diamond testing houses, like Gubelin or GIA confirming the origin of the Seraphim Blue Diamond.

SUMMARY

Today, diamonds certified as having a Golconda origin command immense premiums at auction because of their rarity and history. Golconda diamonds are often surrounded by legends of curses, lost treasures, and royal intrigue — enhancing their allure for collectors and historians alike. The name "Golconda" became synonymous with immense wealth and opulence. Even though the mines are now depleted, diamonds certified as “Golconda origin” still command exorbitant prices at auctions.

Relating certification to a legendary diamond like the Seraphim Blue Diamond – professional diamond investors, would expect a certification of the origin, the 4Cs and a certification of the narrated story behind the diamond.