The Seraphim Blue Diamond, Timeline

The Seraphim Blue Diamond is better known as the fancy color blue diamond, that once adorned the lavish turban ornament worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Asaf Jah 1 originally a Mughal administration officer, split from the Mughals and proclaimed himself to be the first Nizam of Hyderabad and the Deccan region. This started the reign of the Nizams in 1724, the reign included 7 Nizam’s and ended in the year 1948 when Hyderabad was made a part of India.

The diamond was apparently given to the French after the death of Asaf Jah 1, the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Few reports emerged at various moments in history, these did not gain much attention from diamond experts and collectors. Things changed in more recent times when, multiple reports from different sources – seemed to detail a similar narrative. It became increasingly clear that, the possibility of the Seraphim Blue Diamond being the blue diamond from the Nizam’s turban ornament, was high.

The timeline compiled for the Seraphim Blue Diamond, is made based on information from multiple reports. With no commercial interest in this diamond, the information is provided with an unbiased approach.

TIMELINE FOR THE SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND

1724

Asaf Jah I (original name Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan) becomes the first Nizam of Hyderabad. He established the Asaf Jahi dynasty after serving as Mughal Subedar of the Deccan.

1724 – 1748

The first Nizam would wear an exclusive turban ornament with a blue diamond in the center. This along with another turban ornament that, showcased a pink diamond in the center – were reserved for special occasions. Should mention that the Nizam owned many turban ornaments studded with precious gems like rubies, spinel, sapphire and emerald – diamonds were often included as accent stones. However there seemed to be just two turban ornaments, with diamonds as the center stones.

1748

The death of Asaf Jah 1 and the turban ornament becomes part of the treasury maintained by the Nizams.

Mid-late 1700s

The turban ornament remained in the treasury of the Nizams, this the reign of Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam. The ornament was presumably stored with other royal ornaments and used on ceremonial occasions.

Around 1770s

Still the reign of Asaf Jah 2, the second Nizam of Hyderabad. Political and military instability in the Deccan; French forces active in the region, especially in Pondicherry and Machilipatnam. Diamond reportedly given to the French by the second Nizam. The Deccan region saw security threats from local groups. The Nizam sought to gain military support from the French – the diamond from the turban ornament, was used as a mode of (full or partial) payment. It is quite clear that the blue diamond was separated from the rest of the turban ornament. This would be necessary for a thorough inspection and valuation of the precious stone.

Late 18th Century

The blue diamond exited Hyderabad, rumors claimed of it being moved out of the country.

19th Century Onwards

Sporadic rumors of the blue diamond reaching the hands of European collectors. Some theories placed it in private Russian collections, possibly recut.

Diamond circles did claim to have information regarding the blue diamond which at one time, adorned a turban ornament owned by the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Initial narratives were sketchy generally because of the claim that, the diamond actually had a name – Seraphim Blue Diamond.

20th Century

Very little information seemed to emerge from diamond experts and collectors about the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Some connoisseurs seemed keen to find the turban ornament, the presumption was that the blue diamond was still set in the ornament.

The 2020s

Internet technology and the ability to publish information online, resulted in a more systematic process to trace the Seraphim Blue Diamond. Multiple reports emerged with a similar narrative, interest from diamond experts picked pace. The current location of the diamond, was likely to be in Russia.

2025

For the first time in centuries, reports emerged with a claim that few diamond experts had the opportunity to inspect the Seraphim Blue Diamond – this in a valuable Russian collection. Interest in the legendary blue diamond has since been at its highest level. The game changer has been the fact that, the observations made by those diamond experts, largely confirmed the narrative being made, by a large number of reports previously published on various platforms.

INFO SO FAR

Compiled from a number of published reports, this would be the general profile of the Seraphim Blue Diamond in its present form. A pear shape blue diamond from the Golconda diamond mines, weight in the 7 to 9 carat range. The diamond is cut in the old-mine style, this might indicate that a recut was never attempted. The diamond as a fine blue color and high clarity rating. A professional certification from a reputed diamond testing lab, would provide a standard rating on color, clarity, cut and carat weight.