Golconda Blue

  • Rare Auction: A 23.24-carat Golconda Blue diamond, with roots in India’s royal history, is set to be auctioned publicly for the first time at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on May 14.

  • Exceptional Rarity and Quality: The diamond is a rich blue, indicating high purity and saturation, making it one of the finest blue diamonds globally. Its Golconda origin, historic royal connections, and modern setting by Paris designer JAR enhance its value.

  • Historical Significance: The diamond originated from the Golconda mines in Telangana, India, known for producing iconic diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor. It was previously owned by Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore and the Maharaja of Baroda.

  • Royal Pedigree: It was formerly set in jewelry created by French houses Chaumet and Mauboussin, and it was featured in a portrait of Maharani Sanyogita Devi, representing the convergence of Indian luxury and Western modernity.

  • Estimated Value: Christie’s has estimated the pre-sale value to be between $35 million and $50 million (approximately INR 300–430 crore), reflecting its rarity, historical importance, and beauty.

  • Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: The auction provides a rare opportunity for collectors, historians, and jewel enthusiasts to acquire a piece of history. It is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely traded colored diamonds.