Turban Ornaments, The Nizams

The Nizams of Hyderabad in India had an extraordinary collection of turban ornaments, known as sarpech or jigha, which were lavishly decorated with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls. Their jewelry collection was one of the most opulent in the world, reflecting the immense wealth of the Hyderabad State.

Many of these turban ornaments featured intricate designs with large Golconda diamonds, Colombian emeralds, and Basra pearls. Some pieces were even crafted in collaboration with European jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. The Nizams' collection is now partly preserved in museums and private collections, with some pieces displayed in the Salar Jung Museum and the Reserve Bank of India’s treasury.

Reputed auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's have not conducted many auctions related to turban ornaments from the Nizam era. We did mention above that some of the turban ornaments studded with precious stones and diamonds, are now with the Indian government. However every serious diamond or antique jewelry collector knows that, there were far more Nizam turban ornaments than, revealed.

Theft and private transfers are likely to be the reasons why, a significant number of turban ornaments from the Nizam collection, have not been accounted for. Rumors keep coming up about, some Golconda diamonds that were believed to be set in the Nizam turban collection. While the talk often mentions a vivid blue diamond and a vivid fancy pink diamond in turban ornaments - the truth is that tracking private collections is next to impossible. 

While diamond collectors and auction house show a high level of diligence when belieiving rumors related to historic diamonds and jewelry, recent rumors about a diamond being referred to as the Seraphim Blue Diamond have caught the attention of many experts. Multiple reports talk about a fancy blue diamond which was once, set in a turban ornament worn by Asaf Jah 1 the first Nizam of Hyderabad. The diamond and the turban ornamnent went out of sight as the second Nizam namely Asaf Jah II, is believed to have handed over the Seraphim Blue Diamond to the French - not as a gift but, in exchange for military protection. While the story is believable, official certifications and the appearance of the actual diamond are still awaited. It is claimed that the blue diamond is not part of a priceless Russian collection. 

There excitement and caution as the talk is about a prized Golconda blue diamond that, could have been worn by the first Nizam - a time frame of around 1724. A famed provenance dating back to centuries for a blue diamond from the prestigious Golconda mines, has been unheard of in recent times. 

NOTE

Jewelnice has no business interest in trading historic diamonds. The content in this report is shared for general information on developments, related to historic jewels. Collectors should stay informed about authentic news related to rare jewels like the historic Golconda diamonds. Acquisitions made from reputed auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's, are considered to be safe in terms of authenticity and legality.