A piece of India’s royal history is about to make international headlines. The Golconda Blue, a rare and vivid blue diamond once owned by the Maharajas of Indore and Baroda, will soon go up for auction at Christie’s ‘Magnificent Jewels’ event in Geneva on May 14.
The diamond weighs 23.24 carats and is set in a modern ring designed by JAR, a renowned jeweller from Paris. Christie’s expects the gem to sell for $35 to $50 million (around ₹300 to ₹430 crore).
“Exceptional noble gems of this level come to market only once in a lifetime,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery. He added that the Golconda Blue stands out for its royal background, vivid color, and large size, making it one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world.
The legacy of Golconda diamonds
The story of Golconda diamonds dates back centuries. These famous gems were first mentioned in a 4th-century Sanskrit text. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great is believed to have brought Indian diamonds to Europe. Later, in 1292 AD, Marco Polo praised Indian diamonds in his travel journals.
The diamonds came from the Golconda mines, located in today’s Telangana. These mines are legendary for producing some of the world’s most well-known diamonds, such as the Hope Diamond.
What makes the Golconda Blue extra special is its deep connection with Indian royalty. It once belonged to some of the most powerful royal families in India, making it a prized treasure for collectors and history lovers alike.
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