Blue diamonds from the Golconda mines are among the most legendary and rare gemstones in the world. The Golconda region, located in present-day Telangana, India, was once home to some of the most famous and historically significant diamond mines.
Before we list the top 6 blue diamonds from the Golconda mines, a short note about these historic diamond minds. Golconda diamonds, including the blue ones, are prized for their Type IIb classification — meaning they are extremely rare and contain very little nitrogen, giving them an almost water-like clarity. The blue color is due to trace amounts of boron.
When we talk about blue diamonds it is true that the shade of blue and the saturation of the blue color would vary. Fancy vivid blue diamonds carry a premium price, but it is only a small fraction of blue diamonds that deliver this fine blue color.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond has been getting much mention in recent times. The diamond, which is believed to have originated in the Golconda diamond mines, is often described as a fancy vivid blue diamond. The narrative is that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, once adorned a turban ornament worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah 1.
The diamond has yet to make an appearance at a big auction but, diamond collectors are hopeful about getting a glimpse soon. The remaining Golconda blue diamonds in this list have all been through high profile auctions.
The 6 top Golconda blue diamonds in the list below have not been listed in any particular order. You could order that list based on carat size or preferred blue color.
- The Hope Diamond (Fancy Deep Grayish Blue)
- The Tereschenko Diamond (Fancy Blue)
- The Idol’s Eye Diamond (Very Light Blue)
- The Seraphim Blue Diamond (Fancy Vivid Blue)
- The Blue Heart Diamond (Fancy Deep Blue)
- The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond (Fancy Deep Blue)
Professional diamond collectors trust diamond certifications provided by reputed testing houses like Gubelin and GIA. When it comes to acquiring such historic diamonds, it is generally big auction houses that inspire bidding confidence.
The Golconda mines are no longer operational, and this adds to the mystique and rarity. Today, Golconda blue diamonds are often only seen in private collections or museums, and command astronomical prices at auctions.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond has yet to make an appearance at a big auction. And until that happens, diamond collectors, writers and even movie makers will keep track of rumors and stories!
