Regal Radiance: The Golconda Blue Diamond to Dazzle at Christie’s Auction

This spring, Christie’s is set to make headlines once again in the world of luxury and legacy. On May 14, the prestigious auction house will unveil a truly breathtaking gem — The Golconda Blue, the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever to appear at auction. Tipping the scales at an awe-inspiring 23.24 carats, this rare stone carries not just weight but centuries of royal history and unmatched beauty.

Slated to take center stage at the Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva’s Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, the Golconda Blue is mounted on an exquisite ring designed by the legendary jeweller JAR. This isn’t merely a jewel — it is a testament to a time when craftsmanship, status, and storytelling were carved into every facet of a stone.

Christie’s has placed an estimated value of $35 million to $50 million on the piece, reflecting both its unparalleled characteristics and illustrious past. With its vivid colouration, unique clarity, and noble lineage, this diamond is poised to become one of the most notable sales in the auction house’s storied 259-year history.

A Gem with a Royal Past

What makes The Golconda Blue so captivating isn’t just its color or size, but its journey through time — a path steeped in the richness of Indian royalty. Its origins are linked to Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar of Indore, a man who stood out in the 1920s and ’30s for his global sensibilities and elevated taste in design and fine jewellery. In 1923, he commissioned the famed house of Chaumet to create a bracelet that would house the then-23-carat diamond.

A decade later, the dazzling stone was reimagined by French jeweler Mauboussin into a necklace — a striking Art Deco piece worn by Maharani Sanyogitabai Devi of Indore. The piece was immortalized in a portrait by celebrated artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel, embedding the diamond in both history and art.

Following India’s independence and shifting royal fortunes, the diamond made its way into the hands of iconic New York jeweller Harry Winston in 1947. Winston eventually sold it to the Maharaja of Baroda, this time as a brooch. The gem continued its global odyssey, changing hands before reemerging now — to once again mesmerise collectors and connoisseurs.

Regal Radiance: The Golconda Blue Diamond to Dazzle at Christie’s Auction

A Diamond Among Legends

“This is the kind of gem that only comes to market once in a lifetime,” remarked Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry. According to him, The Golconda Blue holds its own alongside some of the most iconic diamonds ever auctioned by the house — including the Archduke Joseph, the Wittelsbach, and The Princie.

But it’s not just the name or carat that makes it exceptional. The term “Golconda” in itself holds powerful meaning in the world of fine gems. It denotes a certain level of perfection — the kind seen in diamonds that exhibit supreme brilliance, water-like transparency, and an untouched purity. Historically, Golconda diamonds were mined in the legendary diamond fields of Eastern India, which produced some of the most fabled stones in the world.

To be called a Golconda diamond is to join a club of mythical status — with peers like the Koh-i-Noor, now part of the British Crown Jewels; the Hope Diamond, displayed at the Smithsonian; the Darya-i-Nur, held in Iran; and the Agra and Princie diamonds.

Bridging Heritage and Modern Glamour

While The Golconda Blue’s roots lie in royalty and heritage, its setting by JAR introduces a contemporary artistic flair, merging past and present. Known for his unconventional style and intricate craftsmanship, Joel Arthur Rosenthal — the man behind JAR — is a master of turning stones into statements. This modern setting elevates the diamond from a relic of history to a future centerpiece for a collector who appreciates both provenance and artistry.

More than just a collector’s item, this stone is a living legacy. Each facet reflects not only light but lifetimes — from Indian palaces to European ateliers and international showcases. Its next chapter, undoubtedly, will be as captivating as the last.

In the glittering world of high jewelry, where craftsmanship, rarity, and storytelling intersect, The Golconda Blue stands out as a beacon of both historical grandeur and modern-day opulence. It’s not simply a diamond — it’s a bridge between empires and eras, set to captivate the world once more as it steps back into the limelight at Christie’s.

Whether it lands in a museum, a private collection, or becomes the crown jewel of another royal patron’s trove, one thing is certain — The Golconda Blue will continue to sparkle in the hearts and imaginations of all who witness it.