A framed painting showing Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad wearing a turban ornament, is drawing interest. Opinions are many, some reports even question the authenticity of the painting. In reality it is not the painting but, the inference being drawn to the elusive Seraphim Blue Diamond, that has raised interest.
Claimed to be mined in the Golconda region, the Seraphim Blue Diamond was apparently set in a priceless turban ornament worn by the first Nizam. This along with another diamond turban ornament that flaunted a pink diamond also from the Golconda mines, have not been seen around for centuries. Attempts are being made to link the Seraphim Blue Diamond, to the center stone in the turban ornament seen in the painting.
If the reports are to be believed, the second Nizam namely Asaf Jah 2, handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond to the French. This to gain military protection from the French. After centuries and into more recent times, multiple reports mention that the Seraphim Blue Diamond is now part of a valuable Russian collection. The diamond continues to stay out of the limelight, all we have for now are rumors.
One piece of important information can be derived from the painting. Presuming that the blue center stone in the turban ornament (seen in the painting), is the Seraphim Blue Diamond – it is quite clear that the blue diamond would weigh around 6 to 8 carats. This estimates dimensions in relation to the entire turban ornament and the, size of the head of an adult.
Interestingly this estimated weight of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, comes close to what was mentioned when Christie’s announced the auction of another blue Golconda diamond, simply referred to as the Golconda Blue Diamond. This was a 23.24 carat stone – some reports confused the Seraphim Blue Diamond with the Golconda Blue Diamond. Experts clarified that they were two different diamonds. The weight of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, was estimated at around 6 to 7 carats in many reports.
Back to the turban worn by Asaf Jah 1 in the painting, the center stone could be the Seraphim Blue Diamond but, the need for official certifications related to the story of the diamond and the features of the piece – continues to be the main requirement.
