In 327 BC, Alexander the Great brought diamonds from India to Europe, sparking the West’s enduring fascination with these rare gems
In a rare and highly anticipated event, a magnificent ‘Golconda Blue’ diamond is set to make its grand appearance on the auction circuit next month. The exceptional pear-shaped blue diamond, with its rich royal history tracing back to the Holkar dynasty, is expected to fetch between $35-50 million at Christie’s ‘Magnificent Jewels’ sale in Geneva.
The ‘Golconda Blue’ diamond is not just a gem; it is a piece of history. Associated with Yeshwant Rao Holkar, the Maharaja of Indore and a member of the Holkar dynasty, the diamond has been a symbol of grandeur and opulence. The Maharaja, along with his wife, was known for their extravagant lifestyle in the 1920s and 1930s. A Knight of the Order of the Indian Empire, Holkar spent much of his time abroad, developing a deep appreciation for Western art, design, and jewelry.
“Exceptional noble gems of this caliber come to market once in a lifetime,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery. “Over the course of its 259-year history, Christie’s has had the honor of offering some of the world’s most important Golconda diamonds, including the Archduke Joseph, the Princie, and the Wittelsbach. With its royal heritage, extraordinary color, and exceptional size, the ‘Golconda Blue’ is truly one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world.”
The journey of the ‘Golconda Blue’ is as fascinating as the gem itself. Set in a contemporary ring by the celebrated Parisian designer JAR, the diamond has traveled through centuries, accumulating stories and significance along the way. In 1913, Yeshwant Rao Holkar’s father acquired the famed Indore Pear diamonds from the French luxury brand Chaumet, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the historic Parisian Maison.
In 1923, during another visit to Chaumet, Holkar commissioned a diamond bracelet set with his own 23-carat pear-shaped ‘Golconda Blue’ diamond. Drawn to the firm’s avant-garde flair, Holkar appointed Mauboussin as his official jeweler in 1933. Mauboussin reimagined much of the Maharaja’s collection, creating an exceptional necklace that included the ‘Golconda Blue’ and the ‘Indore Pears,’ which was worn by the Maharani of Indore, Sanyogitabai Devi.
Holkar’s collaboration with other iconic international jewelers, including Harry Winston, further enriched the diamond’s history. In 1946, Winston purchased the Indore Pears from the Maharaja, and the following year, in January 1947, he acquired the 23-carat blue diamond. Winston later set it in a brooch alongside a matching 23-carat white diamond, which he sold to the Maharaja of Baroda. The brooch was subsequently reacquired by Winston and resold as a newly designed jewel to its current owner.
Now, over a century later, this legendary blue diamond is set to be auctioned for the very first time in its ring setting. The legacy of Golconda diamonds begins with a reference found in a fourth-century Sanskrit manuscript. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great brought diamonds from India to Europe, sparking the West’s enduring fascination with these rare gems. By 1292 AD, Marco Polo famously chronicled the captivating beauty of Indian diamonds in his travel writings.
“Today, the ‘Golconda Blue’ stands not only as a natural marvel but also as a storied jewel — its provenance bridging continents, dynasties, and centuries,” Christie’s states.
The auction house’s mega jewelry sale is scheduled at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on May 14. Collectors, historians, and enthusiasts from around the world are expected to gather, eager to witness the auction of this extraordinary gem. The ‘Golconda Blue’ is not just a diamond; it is a testament to the enduring allure of beauty, history, and craftsmanship.
As the auction approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic event. The ‘Golconda Blue’ diamond, with its rich royal heritage and extraordinary beauty, is poised to captivate the world once again.
