The ‘missing’ turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad, has been occasionally mentioned. It might seem strange that a well organized and efficient Nizam rule, allowed such a thing to happen. Records claim that, the absence of detailed and centralized records by the Nizams played a significant role in the disappearance of many of their priceless treasures. The disappearance of a turban ornament with a blue Golconda diamond in the center and another turban ornament, with a pink Golconda diamond in the center – have attracted attention for an important reason.
NIZAM’S TURBAN ORNAMENTS
Asaf Jah 1 had a fascinating collection of turban ornaments, almost all except of two of these royal turban ornaments, had precious gemstones like rubies, spinel, sapphire or emerald in the center. It does seem that the first Nizam had just two turban ornaments, with fancy color Golconda diamonds in the center. The Nizam took care to keep them safe and would wear them, only on special occasions. These two diamond turban ornaments have not been, seen for centuries. There were not listed as items in the Indian treasury after, the Indian government discontinued the Nizam rule over Hyderabad in 1948.
It was in the year 1724 that Asaf Jah 1 split from the Moghuls and decided to take control of the Deccan region that included, Hyderabad and the Golconda diamond mines. He declared himself to be the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Not much was heard about, the two diamond turban ornaments after his reign ended.
BLUE DIAMOND RUMORS
Increasing rumors about a blue diamond referred to as the Seraphim Blue Diamond, have gained attention. A common narrative among these reported rumors is that, the blue diamond which originated from the Golconda diamond mines, once adorned a turban ornament worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad. It is claimed that the Seraphim Blue Diamond is now a part of a high value collection in Europe. It is inevitable that this Golconda blue diamond, would be linked to the ‘missing’ diamond turban ornament that, once belonged to Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam.
LACK OF OFFICIAL RECORDS
While it would be nice to review well documented records related to the Seraphim Blue Diamond, the Nizam’s were notorious for neglecting tedious record keeping. Despite being one of the wealthiest dynasties in history, the Nizams of Hyderabad relied heavily on informal systems of management and personal trust rather than structured documentation.
It is not just the two opulent turban ornaments from the Nizam’s treasury that remain unaccounted. Other priceless assets have also become untraceable. These include Lavish ornaments encrusted with precious gems, loose high-value diamonds, many of them from the famed Golconda mines and antique weaponry, jewel-studded thrones, ceremonial regalia, and rare coins.
AUTHENTICATING STORIES
Big auction houses and experienced diamond collectors, know exactly what to look for when they hear such rumors about historic Golconda diamonds. Stories and rumors are not rare, many of these turn out to be nothing more than fascinating fairy tales. At the same time there has been no attempt to flatly disbelieve, the rumors that have been gaining momentum. Authentication is the key as, the per carat price of the Seraphim Blue Diamond if, the stories are certified to be true – could be astronomically high.
Authenticating a historic diamond like the Seraphim Blue Diamond, would require thorough testing and validation. Certifications would be expected from top diamond testing houses like GIA and Gubelin. Besides the basic certification of the diamond being natural and specifications related to size, color, clarity and weight – the challenge of certifying its Golconda origin also need to be accomplished.
True that Golconda blue diamonds are highly sought after but, a connection to royalty (Nizams, Mughals or European) would, lift the demand for the Seraphim Blue Diamond to a an even higher level. This is something that also needs to be authenticated. Thorough research and a high level of professional expertise are called for. While this could be a long and tedious process, it is surely possible and worth the effort.
SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND EXIT
Experts attempting to authenticate the story behind the Seraphim Blue Diamond, would give attention to explanations that claim to explain the ‘disappearance’ of the diamond or the entire turban ornament from the Nizam’s treasury. A convincing explanation would also be required to explain why, the blue diamond turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad, was not seen after the end of his reign. A strikingly similar narrative seems to appear across reports. It is claimed that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was handed over to the French by Asaf Jah 2, the second Nizam of Hyderabad. The French in return, provided military support to the Nizam. This is something that once again seems believable but, would require a formal confirmation.
SUMMARY
Even today, historians and collectors believe that some treasures from the Nizam’s collection remain unaccounted for — possibly hidden, stolen, or scattered across the globe due to lapses in formal record-keeping. Stories and rumors will surface once in a while but, only factual information backed by official documents that authenticate the narratives, will hold the attention of experts.
