A few seasoned diamond collectors claim to have seen the Seraphim Blue Diamond. This diamond which is claimed to have been worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad in a lavish turban ornament, has not been seen for centuries. Rumors published on various sources have claimed that, two turban ornaments belonging to Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam, seem to have been lost or stolen. One of these had a blue diamond in the center, the other ornament had a pink diamond in the center.
SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND TRACED?
It has been claimed that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, which was set in one of those royal turban ornaments, is in the possession of a Russian collector. Not many diamond experts have had a chance to see the actual piece. The few collectors who have claimed to have seen the blue diamond – ‘confirm’ that it has its origin in the Golconda region. Earlier reports indicated that, the blue diamond and the pink diamond that, were once set in the Nizam’s turban ornaments – were Golconda diamonds.
AWAITING CERTIFICATIONS
The Seraphim Blue Diamond has never been offered at an auction, the possibility of checking official diamond certifications has therefore not arisen. Reports have used terms like ‘desirable’ blue color and ‘high clarity rating’. There is no doubt that a certification, from reputed diamond testing laboratories like GIA or Gubelin, would offer a more standardized color and clarity rating. Experts would obviously look forward to such a certification for the Seraphim Blue Diamond.
BLUE DIAMOND EXIT
So how and when did the Seraphim Blue Diamond leave the Nizam’s treasury? What happened to the turban ornament that housed the blue diamond. What has made the story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond believable is the, consistency of the narrative across reports published by widely different sources. It is believed that the diamond was given to the French, during the reign of the second Nizam of Hyderabad – Asaf Jah II. External aggression was always a threat in the Deccan region that the Nizams controlled. Asaf Jah II thought it wise to seek military support from the French. Reports suggest that, the British were later preferred by the Nizam.
It does seem clear that the Seraphim Blue Diamond was neither stolen nor lost. The French would have assessed the value of the diamond and decided to sell it, for the right price. It was common for valuable diamonds to be sold through private sales, the Seraphim Blue Diamond is likely to have passed through several hands before it settled in the Russian collection.
THE PINK DIAMOND
The second turban ornament with the pink diamond, has not been heard of. Whispers did claim to have seen the diamond, but the description as a vivid pink diamond – did not convince experts. It is generally agreed that pink diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines, have had a pale pink color. Fair to say that the pink diamond from Asaf Jah I’s turban ornament, has still to be traced. Saying that the diamond was stolen, might be an oversimplification. Hope of hearing about the pink diamond seems to have risen after, strong rumors about the Seraphim Blue Diamond have grown louder.
DISMOUNTING THE DIAMONDS
A small note about the separation of the blue diamond from the royal turban ornament. Mentioned earlier that the Seraphim Blue Diamond was given to the French, this in return for military protection. This during the reign of the second Nizam of Hyderabad. The French would require an expert to have a look at the diamond to assess its value. This could be possible only by professional inspection of the diamond – the loose diamond would be needed for inspection.
VALUE FACTORS
It is not easy to put a number estimate for the value of historic diamonds but, experts can list the key factors that point to a significant premium on the price of such diamonds. The pink and blue diamonds, that are believed to have adorned the opulent turban ornaments of Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad – are touted as having originated from the famed Golconda diamond mines. Diamonds from these mines have a consistently high diamond among, diamond collectors and experienced auction bidders.
A tiny proportion of diamonds mined across the globe, have a color and are referred to as fancy color diamonds. A large portion of diamonds extracted from various mines, are white (colorless). The Seraphim Blue Diamond with its fine blue color and the pink diamond, with a lighter shade of pink – would attract a premium price, for their color. It is right to say that the clarity, carat weight and cut, would become secondary.
Diamonds with a connection to royalty, whether it be the European royals or the Mughals and the Nizams – command a high price and attract top notch auction bidders. The blue diamond which is claimed, to have been worn in a luxuriant turban ornament by the first Nizam of Hyderabad, would make a legendary diamond – a high value asset.
