Hyderabad: The magnificent ‘Golconda Blue’ diamond, steeped in royal heritage, is set to captivate collectors once more as it goes up for auction at Christie’s ‘Magnificent Jewels’ sale in Geneva on May 14. This extraordinary 23.24-carat blue diamond, originating from the famed Golconda mines of Telangana, India, is estimated to fetch between USD 35 million and USD 50 million (approximately Rs 300–Rs 430 crore).
Historically, the gem was cherished by Indian royalty, having passed through the hands of Yashwant Rao Holkar II, Maharaja of Indore, in the early 20th century. It was first mounted into a bracelet by French jeweller Chaumet and later transformed into a necklace by Mauboussin. By 1947, renowned American jeweller Harry Winston acquired the gem, setting it into a brooch before it eventually became part of the Baroda royal collection.
Today, the diamond is elegantly placed in a modern ring crafted by Paris-based jeweller JAR, awaiting its next chapter. With its rare deep blue hue, storied past, and exceptional size, ‘The Golconda Blue’ stands among the world’s most precious diamonds, ready to make history once again under the bright lights of the Geneva auction room.
