Geneva, Switzerland – On May 14, 2025, Christie’s will present a unique gem at its Magnificent Jewels auction – the Golconda Blue , the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever offered at auction. This extraordinary 23.24-carat stone, set in a ring by JAR, is estimated at $35-50 million .
Golconda Blue is not only a stone of impressive color and size, but also of exceptional pedigree. Its history dates back to the Indian royal family , specifically the Holkar dynasty of Indore. Prince Yeshwant Rao Holkar , known for his love of art and Western-style elegance, commissioned the diamond setting in the 1920s, first by the Parisian Maison Chaumet, and then, from 1933, by Mauboussin , who created a sophisticated Art Deco necklace for him. It was worn by his wife, Maharani Sanyogitabai Devi , immortalized in a famous portrait by Bernard Boutet de Monvela .
In 1947, the blue diamond was purchased by legendary jeweler Harry Winston , who paired it with a 23-carat white diamond in a spectacular brooch. Over the years, the piece changed hands until it finally ended up in the hands of its current collector.
Today, over 100 years after it was first cut , Golconda Blue appears at auction for the first time in a modern, striking setting from JAR – one of the most outstanding designers of contemporary jewelry.
“ Jewels like these come to market once in a generation ,” says Rahul Kadakia , Christie’s global head of jewelry. “Christie’s has had the honor of offering at auction the most important diamonds from the Golconda region—the Archduke Joseph, the Prince, the Wittelsbach—and now they are joined by the Golconda Blue, a diamond of exceptional color, size, and royal provenance.”
Diamonds from the legendary Golconda mine have fascinated the world for over two thousand years. Mentioned in Sanskrit manuscripts dating back to the 4th century, brought to Europe by Alexander the Great , and described by Marco Polo , they remain a symbol of rarity and enduring beauty today.
The beauty of blue diamonds can also be admired in the jewelry collection made by Michelson Diamonds presented on the company's Instagram: Bracelet, Set .
Photo source: press.chrisiets.com
