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How Golconda Blue became the crown jewel of royal power and prestige

The 23.24-carat Golconda Blue, a jewel of immense value and significance, will be the highlight of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on 14 May 2025.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo April 21, 2025

Golconda Blue is poised to be the centerpiece of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on May 14, 2025 / Photo via Christie’s

A gemstone of extraordinary rarity and historical significance, the Golconda Blue is poised to be the centerpiece of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on May 14, 2025.

Weighing an impressive 23.24 carats, this Fancy Vivid Blue diamond is expected to fetch between $35 million and $50 million.

What makes this stone even more special is its exquisite setting in a ring crafted by the esteemed Parisian jeweler JAR. Beyond its captivating hue and considerable weight, the Golconda Blue stands out due to its royal heritage and fascinating journey through the annals of history.

This exceptional diamond has its origins tied to Indian aristocracy. It once belonged to Yeshwant Rao Holkar, the Maharaja of Indore, a forward-thinking ruler celebrated for his refined taste in both art and fine jewelry.

His appreciation for rare gems was evident as early as 1913 when his father acquired the illustrious Indore Pear diamonds from the prestigious house of Chaumet in Paris. That acquisition began a long-standing relationship between the Holkar family and elite European jewelers.

A century of brilliance

In 1923, continuing the family tradition, the Maharaja had Chaumet design a bracelet featuring a 23-carat pear-shaped Golconda Blue diamond. A decade later, in 1933, he engaged the services of another famed Parisian maison, Mauboussin, commissioning a remarkable necklace that brought together the Golconda Blue and the Indore Pears. This intricate piece was later worn by the Maharani of Indore and immortalized in a portrait by Bernard Boutet de Monvel.

Yeshwant Rao Holkar’s quest for exceptional jewels did not end there. He collaborated with legendary jeweler Harry Winston, who in 1946 purchased the Indore Pears from the Maharaja, followed by the acquisition of the Golconda in 1947. Winston initially set the stone into a brooch, which he later sold to the Maharaja of Baroda. Eventually, the brooch returned to Winston, who reimagined it into a completely new piece of jewelry.

Golconda Blue, A royal sparkle

Now, after more than 100 years of passage through royal hands and master artisans, the jwel makes its public debut in a contemporary ring created by JAR, renowned for his unique and bold aesthetics. According to Christie’s Global Head of Jewelry, Rahul Kadakia, “Masterpieces of this caliber are phenomenally rare. Throughout our 259-year legacy, Christie’s has had the privilege of offering some of the finest Golconda diamonds, and the Golconda Blue belongs in that distinguished lineage.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Sotheby’s reveal of another stunning gemstone, the Mediterranean Blue, a 10.3-carat diamond that will be auctioned on May 13, one day before the Golconda takes center stage in Geneva.

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More than just a gemstone, the Golconda Blue embodies centuries of global fascination with Indian diamonds. Dating back to 327 BC, when Alexander the Great reportedly introduced Indian diamonds to the West, these precious stones have captured imaginations for generations. Even Marco Polo marveled at them in the 13th century. Today, the Golconda remains a dazzling testament to nature’s beauty and humanity’s reverence for timeless treasures.

Key information

How much is the Golconda Blue expected to sell for at auction? Between $35 million and $50 million.
Who originally owned the Golconda Blue diamond? It was part of the royal collection of Yeshwant Rao Holkar, Maharaja of Indore.
Who designed the current setting of the Golconda Blue diamond? The diamond is mounted in a ring created by Parisian jeweler JAR.
When and where will the Golconda Blue be auctioned? It will be auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva on May 14, 2025.