The Golconda Blue, a remarkable blue diamond once owned by the Maharajas of Indore and Baroda, will make its auction debut at Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva on May 14. Weighing 23.24 carats, this vivid blue gem is set in a contemporary ring crafted by the esteemed Parisian jeweller JAR. Its estimated auction value is between $35 million and $50 million (around ?430 crore).
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, emphasized that gems of this rarity appear only once in a lifetime. With a 259-year history, Christie’s has showcased notable Golconda diamonds, and the Golconda Blue stands out due to its royal lineage, striking color, and large size. Its Indian roots, linked to the legendary Golconda mines in Telangana, greatly enhance its desirability among collectors, and it previously belonged to Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore.