ASAF JAH II AND THE BLUE DIAMOND
The story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond has been discussed across many reports. Elusive for a few centuries this Golconda blue diamond is believed, to have been worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad, in an opulent turban ornament. The line between fantasy and reality is extremely fine when, the story revolves around the historic diamonds and jewels once owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad.
SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND
The Seraphim Blue Diamond believed to have been set in a lavish turban ornament, has not been seen for centuries. Blue diamonds even from the Golconda diamond mines, were not very common. The mines were historically famous for their fine white (colorless) Type IIa diamonds. The Seraphim Blue Diamond touted as having a fine blue color and excellent clarity, adorned a turban ornament that the first Nizam wore occasionally – reserved for special occasions.
Asaf Jah 1 split from the Moghuls and independently took control of the Deccan region which included, Hyderabad and the resourceful Golconda diamond mines, in 1724. The blue diamond turban ornament, was believed to have been seen during his reign. The Nizam rule spanned 7 Nizams and ended in 1948, when the Indian government dethroned Asaf Jah 7 the 7th Nizam and included, Hyderabad as an integral part of India.
THE ELUSIVE BLUE DIAMOND
After taking an inventory of the Nizam’s treasures in 1948, the Indian government took some of the valuable into the official treasury. Other valuables were distributed between the legal heirs of the Nizam families. Important to note that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, did not feature in the inventory list made by the Indian government. This is one of the reasons why, the entire story related to the historic blue diamond, is discounted by many.
ASAF JAH 2
One authentic statement that has been reported in many books and reports is that, the Nizam’s did not meticulously maintain details of transfers, sale, donations or gifts – related to valuables in their possession. A few reports seem to have a believable explanation, regarding the ‘disappearance’ of the Seraphim Blue Diamond. They claim that the Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad, handed over the valuable blue diamond to the French. This transfer was neither a sale nor a gesture of goodwill by the second Nizam – the transaction was made in exchange for military protection.
The Nizams maintained a fairly large and well trained military. External aggression was a threat to security and maintaining the military, required substantial funds. Starting with the second Nizam namely Asaf Jah II, attempts were made to enter into negotiated deals with the French and British, to gain their military protection. Equipped with modern weapons and advanced training, the French and British helped moderate the overall expenditure on external security for the Nizams.
DOCUMENTATION AWAITED
The information in this report has been compiled based on a number, of narratives published online. The general claim is that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, now exists in a private European collection – some reports even make specific mention of Russia. While the overall story is fascinating, facts will need to be substantiated by official certifications from reputed diamond testing houses. The narrated story would indicate a historic blue diamond from the famed Golconda mines and worn, by one of the Nizams centuries ago.
An asset that could be worth tens of millions of dollars, but there is a non-debatable requirement here. Related certifications and an opportunity, to inspect the actual Seraphim Blue Diamond. That is when big diamond auction bidders and top auction houses, would get engrossed in a legendary diamond!