As rumors about the Seraphim Blue Diamond peak, every single aspect of the elusive diamond from the Golconda diamond is being discussed. The narratives keep coming from varied sources but they all seem to have few things in common. It is suggested that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, exited the royal treasury of the Nizam of Hyderabad centuries ago.
GUESSES AND ESTIMATES
With no appearance at any high profile auction, the focus often shifts to the size (carat weight) of the historic diamond. A quick summary of the details revealed in various reports so far, imply that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, is a vivid blue diamond from the Golconda mines, with a high rating on clarity. Another detail common to most reports is that the diamond was initially set in an opulent turban ornament.
ESTIMATING WEIGHT
Estimating the weight of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, would be influenced by the revelation that it was once set in a turban ornament. The assessment is that the blue diamond weighed around 7 to 9 carats. This weight estimate is made by researching diamond turban ornaments, popular during that time (the era of the first and second Nizams of Hyderabad).
ROYAL TURBAN ORNAMENTS
Most royal turban ornaments seem to be designed with precious gems like ruby, sapphire or emerald in the center. Very few have diamonds as the center stone. However, reviewing the turban ornaments where a diamond features prominently, it does seem that the diamond is in the range of 6 to 9 carats. With the Seraphim Blue Diamond still eluding, excited diamond collectors and reputed auction houses, the modest weight estimate seems to suggest that the diamond does exist. However this will be debated until the Seraphim Blue Diamond is available at least, for professional bidders and collectors to view.
ASAF JAH 1
Continuing with the most often heard narrative related to the Seraphim Blue Diamond, it is claimed that Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad, wore the turban ornament that had the blue diamond. This was surely significantly more lavish, rare and valuable as compared to the Nizam’s turban ornaments, which had a precious gemstone (not diamond) in the center. The Nizam is believed to have worn the blue diamond turban ornament, only on very formal occasions. Apparently the Seraphim Blue Diamond did not last very long in the Nizam’s treasury as Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad handed over the diamond to the French. This was to acquire military support from the French, the Nizams were ever of forces that were keen to oust them.
EXORBITANT PRICE?
Not attempting to put any number to the value of the Seraphim Blue Diamond but, the exorbitant per carat prices that it could draw at an auction, are already known to regular diamond bidders. The provenance of this historic diamond would be astoundingly impressive. A brief summary about the provenance, claimed for the Seraphim Blue Diamond.
When it comes to historic diamonds, the per carat value is influenced far more by a combination of pedigree and rarity factors than by size alone. We are talking about an origin in the legendary Golconda diamond mines. It has been a few centuries since the last fine diamond, white or blue – has been extracted from these mines. This implies that the Seraphim Blue Diamond was mined centuries ago.
ROYAL CONNECTION
No secret that a direct association with royalty or historical figures, magnifies a diamond’s value. A fancy vivid blue diamond has always been one of the most desired colors, for a blue diamond. The Seraphim Blue Diamond scores big on this count, it also boasts of a high degree of clarity. Add a Nizam connection, and its provenance elevates it into a class of its own. The Nizams of Hyderabad were among the wealthiest and most influential royal dynasties in India. Given the age of the diamond and its place of origin (Golconda mines), believing a link to the Nizams sounds logical.
CERTIFICATIONS AWAITED
While diamond experts and auction houses eagerly await formal certifications to authenticate the story behind the Seraphim Blue Diamond and the actual piece itself – it is clear that the modest weight of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, will not stop it from gaining exorbitant prices per carat. A dream provenance is what diamond professionals hope to be reviewed in the near future!
