The Seraphim Blue Diamond has been gaining attention in recent years. While rumors from multiple sources claim that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond is currently, part of a European collection – the diamond has not been seen for centuries. Never seen at any major auction, the blue diamond is believed to have been mined in the Golconda region. From most accounts it does appear that the diamond was not very big. It apparently has a highly desired blue color and a high clarity rating.
BRITISH RULE IN INDIA
With rumors claiming that a European collection, currently holds the Seraphim Blue Diamond – talk about the Golconda diamond being in the UK, has picked pace. During the British colonial rule in India (1757–1947), a significant number of valuable artifacts, jewels, and treasures were either taken, acquired under dubious circumstances, or removed during conflicts and annexations. Among these were several Golconda diamonds, some of the most famous and prized diamonds in the world. No evidence has appeared to confirm the statement, that the Seraphim Blue Diamond is currently in the UK.
ASAF JAH 1
Presuming that various reports related to the Seraphim Blue Diamond are true – the diamond was apparently worn in a turban ornament by Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The first Nizam took control over Hyderabad in 1724 Hypothetical estimates assign a weight of around 7 to 9 carats, to the Seraphim Blue Diamond. While this is not a huge diamond size, the fact that the diamond originated from the famed Golconda diamond mines and was worn, by the first Nizam of Hyderabad means that, the diamond would command a very high price.
BRITISH LOOT WEALTH
The British controlled India from 1757 to 1947. A significant number of valuable artifacts, jewels, and treasures were either taken, acquired under dubious circumstances, or removed during conflicts and annexations. Among these were several Golconda diamonds, some of the most famous and prized diamonds in the world. Prominent diamonds that exited India, during the British rule included Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Great Mughal diamond and the Regent diamond. The Mughal diamond was recut and came to be known as the Orlov diamond. If rumors about the Seraphim Blue Diamond can be confirmed, the highly valued Golconda blue diamond would be added to that list.
ASAF JAH 2
Going by various reports, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was worn in a turban ornament by the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Neither the diamond nor the turban ornament seen during the reign of Asaf Jah II, the second Nizam. The unverified claim in some reports is that, the second Nizam handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond to the French. This was done in return for military protection. This story is believable as the Nizams consistently, faced external threats to their security. It was not uncommon to give low importance to keeping detailed records, of valuables in the Nizam’s treasury.
DIAMOND IN UK?
Closer to our times and the most common explanation seems to be that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond is currently part of valuable collection in Europe. No mention of UK has been found in various reports. A few sources claim that the diamond is now in the possession of an avid diamond collector in Russia.
And even if the Seraphim Blue Diamond is currently in the UK, it is surely not one of the diamonds that the British stole, or forcibly took away from India during their rule. Most accounts seem to agree that, the diamond was willingly handed over to the French by Asaf Jah 2.
Much detail about the Seraphim Blue Diamond has been extracted from various reports. But experts know that, nothing can substitute the presence of official certifications from reputed diamond testing offices. The rumored story and the actual diamond, will need to have confirmed certifications.
