Interest in the Seraphim Blue Diamond has been growing in recent years. This as multiple reports seem to suggest that, the fine Golconda blue diamond which remained elusive for centuries has been traced. The famed Golconda diamond mines, came under the control of the Nizams of Hyderabad in 1724. This was when Asaf Jah 1 stepped away from the Mughals and decided, to take control of the Deccan region. He proclaimed himself as the first Nizam of Hyderabad.
SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND – THE TRAIL
Origin Golconda Mines, India
The Seraphim Blue Diamond is believed to have originated from the legendary Golconda diamond mines. While these mines were best known for their high quality white (colorless) diamonds, theydid(very) occasionally deliver fancy color diamonds. The Seraphim Blue Diamond is one such diamond, trace elements of boron in the diamond impart a blue color to the precious stone.
Royal Ownership, Nizam Dynasty
Historical narratives from multiple sources suggest that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was set as the central stone in a turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah I, the first Nizam of Hyderabad (reigned from 1724–1748). It is interesting that while the Nizam’s collections included over a dozen lavish turban ornaments, just two those had a diamond as the center stone. Both the diamonds had a Golconda mine origin, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was one of them – the second turban ornament had a pale pink diamond. The Nizam would reserve these diamond turban ornaments, for special occasions.
Transfer To France For Military Aid
With a similar narrative being published across various reports, it is said that the second Nizam namely Asaf Jah II, handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond to the French. This was not meant to be a goodwill gesture as, the Nizam acquired military support (from the French) in return. It is not known whether the blue diamond covered the cost of the deal – in full or in part. It is quite obvious that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was separated from the turban ornament by this time. The diamond is believed to have been taken to France.
Journey To Europe And Russia
The reign of the Second Nizam of Hyderabad ranged from 1762 to 1803. The French acquired the Seraphim Blue Diamond, for its financial value – there was no sentimental value that the fine blue diamond held for them. The diamond was believed to have been sold a few times, most probably through private sales that did not require any documentation to be revealed. In recent decades, rumors have circulated that the Seraphim Blue Diamond resides in a private collection in Europe, with some reports hinting at Russia as its location—though anonymity surrounds its current owner.
What Next ForThe Seraphim Blue Diamond
Golconda diamonds are already in museums or permanent private collections. The few that surface at auction tend to attract fierce bidding, pushing their values to unprecedented levels. Golconda diamonds like the Seraphim Blue Diamond, with a history linked to kings, queens, or dynasties such as the Mughals or the Nizams add an irreplaceable layer of prestige and narrative.
There is no indication of an intent to sell or auction, the Seraphim Blue Diamond, at this point in time. The high demand and exorbitant prices for such diamonds, opens up several options for owners. While reputed auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, would be glad to organize an auction for a legendary natural treasure like the Seraphim Blue Diamond – it is the seller who gets to decide. Private sales have some advantages, confidentiality is one of them.
