The Golconda Blue: A Regal Gem with a Storied Heritage Set for Auction

The Golconda Blue, a 23.24-carat vivid blue diamond with origins in India’s historic Golconda mines, is set to debut at Christie’s Geneva auction on May 14, valued at $35–$50 million. Once owned by Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore, the diamond boasts a rich royal legacy and has undergone transformations by iconic jewelers like Chaumet and Harry Winston. Mounted in a ring by Parisian jeweler JAR, this rare gem is a timeless symbol of opulence and heritage.

A legendary relic of India's royal past, the magnificent Golconda Blue diamond is poised to captivate global attention as it makes its auction debut at Christie’s "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva on May 14. With its vivid blue hue and a remarkable weight of 23.24 carats, the diamond is expected to fetch between $35 million and $50 million (approximately ₹430 crore). Mounted in a contemporary ring crafted by the celebrated Parisian jeweler JAR, this extraordinary jewel is steeped in history and opulence.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

Described as a once-in-a-lifetime offering, The Golconda Blue represents the pinnacle of rarity and excellence in the world of gemstones. Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Head of Jewelry, emphasized the exceptional nature of the diamond, stating, “Over its 259-year history, Christie’s has presented some of the world’s most remarkable Golconda diamonds, including the Archduke Joseph, the Princie, and the Wittelsbach. With its royal lineage, mesmerizing color, and unparalleled size, The Golconda Blue stands as one of the rarest blue diamonds ever to grace the market.”

A Legacy of Indian Royalty

The diamond’s origins trace back to the historic Golconda mines in present-day Telangana, a region famed for producing some of the most legendary diamonds in history, including the renowned Kohinoor. Its Indian heritage adds to its allure, particularly among collectors with a deep appreciation for the subcontinent’s regal history.

Historically, the diamond was part of the collection of Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore. The Maharaja, celebrated for his cosmopolitan sensibilities during the 1920s and 1930s, played a pivotal role in curating one of the most exquisite royal jewelry collections of the time.

A Jewel’s Journey Through Time

The Golconda Blue’s illustrious journey began in 1923 when the Maharaja’s father had it set into a bracelet by the esteemed French jeweler Chaumet. This followed his acquisition of the famed "Indore Pears," two other notable Golconda diamonds.

By the 1930s, the diamond underwent a transformation under the craftsmanship of Mauboussin, another prestigious French jeweler. The gem was incorporated into a stunning necklace alongside the Indore Pear diamonds, a piece that later appeared in a portrait of the Maharani of Indore by French artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel. This painting symbolized a unique blend of Indian and European sophistication.

The diamond’s journey continued after India’s independence, passing into the hands of legendary New York jeweler Harry Winston in 1947. Winston set the stone in a brooch paired with a white diamond of similar size. This exquisite piece eventually became part of the royal collection of the Maharaja of Baroda, further solidifying the gem’s ties to Indian royalty before it transitioned into private ownership.

A Jewel Beyond Compare

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, The Golconda Blue represents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of history. Its royal provenance, combined with its rare hue, size, and craftsmanship, makes it a treasure of unparalleled significance. As it approaches its debut at Christie’s, the world watches in anticipation, ready to witness the next chapter in the storied legacy of this regal masterpiece.