Seraphim Blue Diamond, Historic?
So we hear about the Seraphim Blue Diamond, apparently with a vivid blue color and mined in the legendary Golconda diamond mines in India. The time would be a few centuries ago. Another day another source and another story - this time that, the Seraphim Blue Diamond once adorned a priceless turban ornament worn by the first Nizam (Asaf Jah 1) of Hyderabad.
Believable narratives claim that at least 2 turban ornaments worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam, had fine diamonds set in the center. One of these was a vivid blue diamond and the other was a gorgeous pink diamond. Nothing unbelievable in these stories but, neither diamond ever made it to a big auction, so narratives and rumors is all that we have for now.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond could well be the diamond missing from the Nizam's turban ornament. But for that to be accepted, some important pieces of information would need to be verified and authenticated. This to assess the value of the elusive blue diamond.
Looking at the general size of turban ornaments worn by the Nizams and other Indian royalty during that time, it would appear that the blue diamond being mentioned, would be no less than 6 to 8 carats. At the time of compiling this report, we have no confirmed size specifications of the claimed Seraphim Blue Diamond.
When it comes to valuing historic diamonds, origin and provenance—especially if they include royal or aristocratic connections—carry immense weight. These aspects add rich historical and cultural value that often surpasses the gem’s physical characteristics.
Keeping the above information in perspective, here are the vital aspects of the Seraphim Blue Diamond that would need to be clearly confirmed. Did the diamond originate from the famed Golconda mines? Advanced checking by reputed diamond testing labs like Gubelin, can comment on the origin.
If and when we have an official confirmation of the blue diamond originating from the Golconda mines, the connection to the Nizam should get the nod. Very few and probably no fine diamonds, were recovered from the Golconda diamonds after 1948 when the Nizam dynasty came to an end. And if you refer to blue diamonds from the Golconda mines after 1948, you should draw a blank.
The Nizams controlled the Golconda diamond mines throughout their reign, from 1724–1948. So to presume that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, was once a part of the Nizam's collection, would not be a wild guess.
The last phase would be the name of the blue diamond, the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Was the blue diamond from the Nizam's collection, named Seraphim Blue? Since the diamond was never listed on any major auction, the name quite obviously did not get much exposure. The name of a diamond can become iconic over time (like the Hope Diamond or Koh-i-Noor), but its true value is rooted in its story—where it was mined, who owned it, and the journey it’s taken through history.
The origin and the linking of royalty to the historic diamond, need to be researched and accepted in the first and important phase - this can be done quite objectively. The fact is that, a diamond’s name often gains significance because of its provenance, not the other way around!
NOTES
We have no commercial interest in the Seraphim Blue Diamond or any other historic diamond. Nothing mentioned in this report is meant to be a substitute, for certifications and confirmations from reputed institutions that, test, certify and research diamonds.