If rumors are to be believed, the elusive Seraphim Blue Diamond has been located in a private collection in Europe. Multiple sources have published reports suggesting that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was set in a lavish turban ornament, worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The time frame would be around 1724, the year in which Asaf Jah 1 stepped away from the Moghuls, appointing himself as the first Nizam of Hyderabad.
ASAF JAH 1 TURBAN ORNAMENTS
The first nizam had a fine collection of high value turban ornaments. While most of these ornaments had a precious gemstone like ruby, sapphire, spinel or emerald in the center – two turban ornaments stood apart. One of these had a blue Golconda diamond in the center, the other turban ornament had a pink diamond from the same diamond mines, in the center.
Stories narrate how Asaf Jah 1 would wear these diamond turban ornaments, only on very special occasions. Worth mentioning that neither the turban ornaments nor the diamonds, have been seen for centuries. Golconda diamonds with a link to royalty, are highly sought after – not many such diamonds have been auctioned in recent times.
GOLCONDA DIAMOND MINES
The famed Golconda diamond mines, functioned under the control of the Mughals and then under the Nizams of Hyderabad. Asaf Jah 1 set up an efficient system, to control mining operations and diamond trade in the Deccan region. This system was followed by subsequent Nizams until, 1948 when the Indian government took over Hyderabad, as a part of India. The Nizams would keep the finest diamonds in their treasury, the rest of the diamonds were traded. Revenue from the diamond trade, was earmarked for the development of Hyderabad.
ELUSIVE SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND
Neither the Seraphim Blue Diamond nor, any official certifications related to the diamond, have been seen for centuries. Reports based on rumors have a few interesting similarities. It is claimed that, the blue diamond had a highly desirable blue color and rated high on clarity. Certification from a reputed diamond testing house today, would provide a more accurate assessment of the color and clarity, of the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Interesting information regarding the size of the diamond claims that, the piece has a weight of around 7 to 9 carats. Rumors of the Seraphim Blue Diamond having been traced to a collection in Europe, have raised hopes in the minds of diamond collectors and seasoned auction bidders. At this point of time, all that we have are rumors of the historic diamond.
ASAF JAH II AND THE DIAMOND
Presuming that the Seraphim Blue Diamond was part of the first Nizam’s collection, how and when did the diamond exit the Nizam’s treasury. It is true that detailed records of items in the treasury, were often not maintained. A number of sales, transfers and gifts went unrecorded. But rumors of a diamond that, has not been seen for centuries are not very common.
An explanation for the exit of the Seraphim Blue Diamond from the Nizam’s treasury, has surfaced in some reports. Apparently, it was the second Nizam (Asaf Jah 2) that, handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond to the French. This transaction did not relate to a sale or a gesture of goodwill, reports suggest that the blue diamond was given to the French in return for military protection. The Nizams did face external security threats, considerable funds were allotted to maintain and train a large number of military personnel. It is possible that Asaf Jah 2 thought, it more economical to outsource, part of the security requirements.
EXPERTS RESERVE COMMENTS
If the circulating rumors are to be believed, the entire story related to the Seraphim Blue Diamond, involves the first and the second Nizams of Hyderabad. Diamond collectors and reputed auction houses, would reserve their comments until official certifications are released and the, Seraphim Blue Diamond becomes available for inspection.