The Nizams ruled Hyderabad from the early 18th century until India’s independence and merger of princely states in 1948. At the height of their power, their fortune was so immense that the fifth Nizam (Asaf Jah V), Mir Osman Ali Khan, was once considered to be the richest man in the world!
THE GOLCONDA MINES
The Nizams were direct successors to the Golconda diamond wealth, as the famed Golconda mines lay within their territory. Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad, was believed to have owned a collection of opulent turban ornaments. Two lavish diamond turban ornaments, one with a vivid blue color diamond and another with rare pink diamond – were believed to be worn by the Nizam, only on very special occasions. These diamonds formed the center stones in the turban ornaments. Both these diamonds are believed to have been mined in the Golconda mines. It was generally precious gems like rubies, sapphires and emeralds that were set in the center of royal turban ornaments worn by the Nizams. Diamonds were used as mere accent stones, to add glitter to the jewel.
DIAMOND TURBAN ORNAMENTS
Interestingly neither of these diamond turban ornaments were seen during the reign of Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad. Stories were occasionally heard about a blue diamond that was once a part of a turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1 – but, not much interest was given to such rumors.
Neither the blue diamond nor the pink diamond, from those turban ornaments have made an appearance for centuries. Recent rumors seem to shed some light on the vivid blue Golconda diamond, from one of those diamond turban ornaments. It is believed that the historic diamond is now part of a private collection in Russia.
RUMORS AND NARRATIVES
Multiple narratives have been posted with information of the blue diamond, most claim that the diamond is being referred to as the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Since the blue diamond has never been sold on any high profile auction, it is understandable, if the name does not sound familiar. Information posted from other sources seem to fall into place though, it might be premature to draw any conclusions in a hurry.
SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND
At least a few reports claim that the Seraphim Blue Diamond which was owned by Asaf Jah 1, had a fairly short stint in the treasury of the Nizams. Apparently the second Nizam (Asaf Jah II), handed over the priceless blue diamond to the French. This was in return for military support from France. It is not clear whether the Seraphim Blue Diamond, was the only ‘payment’ made for the French support or, formed part of the price for the military support. This narrative seems to explain why the turban ornament with the blue diamond or the blue diamond itself disappeared from sight during the reign of the second Nizam, Asaf Jah II.
CERTIFICATIONS AWAITED
While official certifications would be required to make an assessment of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, the pieces of information that have been trickling in from different sources – seem to be falling into place. At this moment, rumors are being treated as such even as, diamond collectors realize that the rumors seem believable.