A Centuries-Old Diamond Disappears from Records
The blue diamond has all the makings of a historic sensation. Numerous reports claim that the diamond, believed to have been mined in the famed Golconda mines, was worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The time would be around 1724, about 3 centuries ago. It is claimed that Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam, would wear the diamond turban ornament only on very special occasions.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond, as multiple narratives go, was a blue Golconda diamond with a highly desirable color and rare clarity. At the same time, this story is enough to turn the heads of seasoned connoisseurs – the rest of the story sounds more like a dreamy fairytale! The story appears to be consistent across reports, which lends some credibility to the narrative.
Authentication and Credibility
Getting deeper into the story, the fact remains that no amount of fantasy tales can substitute for official and reputable authentications. This implies an authentication of the narrative being associated with the Seraphim Blue Diamond as well as a certification of the actual piece (the diamond). The actual diamond would also have to reveal itself.
The Central Theme
The central theme of the story needs to be narrated. Reports claim that the Seraphim Blue Diamond was the blue diamond worn by Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam of Hyderabad, in his turban ornament. It is not an unbelievable narrative, as the Nizams controlled the Golconda mines. A significant proportion of the Nizam’s treasury included priceless diamonds and precious gemstones.
The Disappearance Mystery
If the story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond is proven to be right, the mystery behind its disappearance will take center stage. There is no denying the fact that the Nizams lacked proper systems to document, transfer, sell, and gift valuable assets. Historians often reveal that the distinction between the wealth of the Nizams and the revenues allocated for the development and maintenance of Hyderabad was generally unclear.
Post-1948 Developments
The Indian government ended the Nizam’s rule in 1948 and documented all assets. Some of those assets were distributed among the legal heirs of the Nizam family, while many were taken into the Indian treasury. However, no mention is made of the Seraphim Blue Diamond or an opulent blue diamond turban ornament. It should be noted that some valuable Golconda blue diamonds ultimately ended up in the Indian treasury.
Rumors and Transfers
Rumors of two turban ornaments worn by the first Nizam, with fancy color diamonds in the center, have been heard for years. The talk was about a blue diamond and a pink diamond, both from the Golconda mines. As is always the case, diamond collectors continue to search for related information – significant information has been compiled. It is claimed that Asaf Jah II, the second Nizam to the French, handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond. This was not done as a gesture of goodwill; the handover was done in return for military help.
More Information Over Time
As time moves on, more information seems to be available related to the Nizam’s turban ornaments and the elusive blue diamond. The general impression is that diamonds were rarely the center stones, even in very lavish and opulent turban ornaments – referring to turban ornaments belonging to the Nizams. Most turban ornaments seem to be adorned with rubies or emeralds in the center. When talking about rubies, the story of many priceless ‘rubies’ in the British Royal collection comes to mind. A few of those ‘rubies’ turned out to be red spinel when tested by advanced gemological techniques and equipment!
Current Beliefs
There is a strong belief that the Seraphim Blue Diamond is now part of an elite Russian collection.
Size Estimation
Another interesting development has been the size estimation of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, which has been done by analyzing high-value turban ornaments designed during that time, with an emphasis on the ornaments worn by the Nizams. There appears to be a pattern where turban ornaments that feature a diamond in the center generally flaunt smaller center stone sizes. On the other hand, Nizam turban ornaments feature rubies, emeralds, or sapphires (rare) in the center, with big chunky gemstones set around them.
Estimated Weight and Importance
With the above information on hand, reports suggest that the Seraphim Blue Diamond would weigh around 6 to 9 carats. This information, though hypothetical, is critical. Experts realize that this information could be used to cross-check the actual dimensions of the historic blue diamond, should the actual piece be made available for inspection.
Auction Potential
Big-budget diamond auction bidders know best. They realize that the possibility that the Seraphim Blue Diamond could have a modest size would not limit the price per carat of the historic piece at a high-profile auction. If the story is proven to be authentic, the spotlight would be on a high-quality, high-quality blue diamond from one of the most historically resourceful diamond mines in Golconda, with a prestigious royal connection to the Nizams. A dream provenance that has become extremely rare in our times.
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