The rule of the Nizams over Hyderabad began with Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam in 1724. The rule lasted until the seventh Nizam, Asaf Jah 7 – it was 1948 when India made Hyderabad a part of India. At the height of their power, their fortune was so immense that the fifth Nizam (Asaf Jah 5), Mir Osman Ali Khan, was once considered to be the richest man in the world!
GOLCONDA DIAMOND MINES
The famed Golconda diamond mines was located within the territory, ruled by the Nizams. The Nizam’s treasury included some tremendous diamonds from these mines. Two diamonds need special mention, as these were fancy colored diamonds – a rare occurrence even for the Golconda diamond mines. Reports suggest that a pink diamond and a fancy blue diamond, were set as center stones in two turban ornaments.
The time frame for the above happened to be during the reign of Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam’s treasury included some very opulent turban ornaments, the collection began with the first Nizam and kept growing.
Asaf Jah 1 reserved these two diamond turban pendants, for very special occasions. The reason was that most turban ornaments worn by the Nizams, had a precious ruby, sapphire or emerald as the main center stone. Small diamonds were used as accent stones.
TURBAN ORNAMENTS NOT STOLEN
The two turban ornaments with the diamonds mentioned above, were crafted during the reign of Asaf Jah 1. Not much was seen or heard about these opulent turban ornaments, during the reign of Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad.
It was not uncommon for treasures belonging to the Nizam, be stolen or transferred or even recut without maintaining official records. A few reports seem to suggest that the blue and pink diamonds, from the turban ornaments were mysteriously lost.
BLUE DIAMOND TRANSFER
Multiple reports claim that, the blue diamond which was set in one of the turban ornaments worn by Asaf Jah 1 – was handed over to the French. This apparently happened during the reign of Asaf Jah 2, the second Nizam. The narrative that, the blue diamond was gifted to the French, seems to be disputed by other versions of the story. The most believable reason for the transfer is that, the blue diamond was handed over to the French in return for military protection.
BLUE DIAMOND CURRENT LOCATION
Over the years, rumors have been heard about the blue diamond. Not much attention was given as the rumors were many, the narratives varied widely. Diamond collectors have been alerted, to a spate of reports that have been appearing in recent times. Multiple narratives have been posted from different sources, about a diamond being referred to as The Seraphim Blue Diamond.
Claiming to be the missing blue diamond from the turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1, the diamond is described as having a fine blue color and high clarity. The narrative that the Seraphim Blue Diamond originated in the Golconda diamond mines, is not being doubted by many experts. It is well known that the blue diamond was never put up for a public auction. This should explain why the name – Seraphim Blue Diamond, does not sound familiar.
While many reports claim that the elusive blue diamond is a part of a coveted Russian collection, other reports mention a European collection without, mentioning a specific country. Regular bidders at high profile diamond auction observe that, the similarity in details published by different reports, could indicate an intention to sell in the near future.
THE NEXT STEP
Without getting into details about the name of the blue diamond, experts and auction houses would await official certifications of the story and the physical piece. If the Seraphim Blue Diamond is indeed, what it is claims to be – the possibility of it being valued at a few million dollars per carat, is not an exaggeration. All this would have true meaning only, when the historic blue diamond makes an appearance along with, certifications from reputed diamond testing houses.