The Golconda diamond mines, located in the present-day Telangana state of India, are among the most legendary sources of diamonds in history. To put time into perspective, these mines were depleted around 1725. Intense mining from around the 4th century, saw the quantity and quality of diamonds drop.
The Nizam dynasty of Hyderabad, controlled the Golconda diamond mines from 1724 to around 1948. The reign of the Nizam’s ended in the year 1948. Of specific interest are the colored diamonds from these historic mines. Blue and pink(rarely) were diamond colors, that were highly sought after.
BLUE GOLCONDA DIAMONDS
Blue color in Golconda diamonds comes from presence of boron. A very small proportion of blue diamonds from these mines, have a vivid blue color. The Hope Diamond, The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, The Seraphim Blue Diamond and The Blue Heart Diamond are some of the valuable blue diamonds, that originated from the Golconda diamond mines.
Stories about the Seraphim Blue Diamond have been gaining momentum in recent years. Yet to be seen at any high level auction, this elusive vivid blue diamond is believed to have been worn by Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam of Hyderabad in a turban ornament. The diamond apparently has the most sought after blue color (vivid blue), the Seraphim Blue Diamond is expected to draw exorbitantly high bids, if and when it is put up for auction. Vivid blue Golconda diamonds, linked to the Nizam dynasty could fetch very high per carat prices.
PINK GOLCONDA DIAMONDS
While blue diamonds get their color from impurities (boron), structural deformities in the crystal lattice during formation, give pink diamonds their color. The Daria-i-Noor is a famous pale pink diamond, also traces its origin to Golconda.
Some reports have talked about a pink diamond, that was set in a turban ornament worn by the Nizams. Pink diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines are a rare occurrence. While these reports do raise interest, official authentications have not made an appearance.
NOTES
The Nizam dynasty of Hyderabad, once among the richest royal families in the world, amassed an extraordinary collection of diamonds, gemstones, and other treasures. However, many of these priceless items remain unaccounted for today due to a combination of historical, political, and logistical reasons.