Top 5 Golconda Blue Diamonds

The Golconda diamond mines, particularly the famed Kollur Mine, were historically renowned for producing some of the finest quality white (colorless) diamonds ever discovered—prized for their exceptional clarity and transparency. However, a very small fraction of diamonds from these ancient mines were naturally infused with trace amounts of boron during their formation deep within the Earth.

This rare elemental "contamination" resulted in gorgeous blue diamonds, now among the most valuable and mysterious gems in the world. These blue Golconda diamonds are not only visually stunning but also exceptionally rare, making them highly sought after by collectors, museums, and royalty.

The list has been compiled based on some very sound reasoning. Authenticating Golconda diamonds and blue diamonds from the Golconda mines, is far more scientific and certain in modern times. Equipment, tools and expertise have advanced from a few decades ago.

Here are five of the most iconic blue diamonds believed to originate from the famed Golconda mines in India—some set for auction, others enshrined in museum or royal collections.

THE HOPE DIAMOND

Probably the world’s most famous blue diamond, the Hope Diamond was mined from the Kollur mines in the Golconda region. Harry Winston the owner of the Hope Diamond donated the diamond to the Smithsonian. This rare blue diamond from the Golconda mines, is now on display for the public. The Hope diamond has a provenance that, includes connections to royalty. Interesting it was at one time believed that, the diamond is cursed!

THE GOLCONDA BLUE DIAMOND

A latecomer on the list of top blue Golconda diamonds. The diamond revealed itself in 2025, claimed to have a provenance that dated back to around 1907. Christie’s created a media blitz, by setting an auction for May 2025. A few reports mistook Golconda Blue Diamond, for the Seraphim Blue Diamond – another blue diamond from the Golconda region that, was gaining interest at around that time. The anti-climax for the Golconda Blue Diamond auction was that, Christie’s actually cancelled the auction. While this disappointed many diamond collectors, it also increased focus on the Seraphim Blue Diamond.

THE SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND

The fine blue diamond from the Golconda mines, once adorned a lavish turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad. It was in 1724 when Asaf Jah 1 split from the Mughals, and started the reign of the Nizams in Hyderabad and the surrounding Deccan region.

The diamond had not been seen for a few centuries, occasional rumors were heard about the diamond but interest was lukewarm. It was when a few diamond experts claimed to have seen the Seraphim Blue Diamond in a Russian collection that, that narratives from various reports started being compared. With most reports delivering a very similar narrative, the diamond community has hopes of getting a glimpse of this historic blue diamond, from the Golconda mines in the near future.

IDOL’S EYE DIAMOND

Confirmed to have been formed in the highly storied Golconda diamond mines, this historic diamond as a very pale blue color. It first appeared publicly in 1865 and was auctioned by Christie's London in that year. The highest bid was placed on behalf of Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire.

The current location of the Idol’s Eye Diamond, which originated in the Golconda mines are unknown. Laurence Graff is said to have sold the blue diamond to an anonymous buyer around 1979–1983. Diamond connoisseurs observe that a sale to Harry Winston, is rumored to have happened before – the diamond reached the treasure chest of Laurence Graff.

TERESCHENKO DIAMOND

The gorgeous blue diamond from the Golconda region was initially a rough piece. Mikhail Tereshchenko, a Ukrainian‑Russian industrialist and politician, owned the rough stone from around 1913. He apparently trusted a safe deposit vault in Paris to keep it safe.

It was around 1915-1916 when Mikhail Tereshchenko instructed Cartier to cut the rough piece. The final piece was cut and mounted in Paris. A scintillating necklace along with 45+ colored diamonds of different shapes. Connoisseurs describe the necklace as a showcase of fancy-colored diamonds – a creation that only the likes of Cartier could deliver!

SUMMARY

Connoisseurs are willing to pay exorbitant prices for Golconda blue diamonds, especially as these legendary natural creations become increasingly rare. Their limited availability, historic provenance, and unmatched natural beauty make them highly coveted in the world of fine collectibles.

Two diamonds in the Top 5 Blue Golconda Diamonds mentioned above, have never come up for a public sale or auction. These are the Golconda Blue Diamond, that had its auction cancelled just days before the auction in May 2025 and the Seraphim Blue Diamond, which has been recently traced after remaining elusive for centuries.