Knowledge

Golconda Diamonds

Some of the most prized diamonds in the world hail from the famous Golconda mines in India. The most famous source of diamonds throughout history, these gems are known for their exquisite transparency and quality and are highly coveted by both investors, collectors, and connoisseurs.

Gemstones

An Important Historic Mine



The first significant source of diamonds came from the region of Golconda, a geographical territory that no longer exists but comprises the present-day states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India. The term also signifies that the diamond is an antique gem, mined in the ancient diamond fields along the Krishna. The Kollur mine on the lower tributaries of the river Krishna, some 200 kilometres southeast of Golconda, would yield most of these extraordinary diamonds.

Once mined, they were taken to Hyderabad to be sold, with many highly prized stones kept securely at the Golconda Fort, which has since become an important national monument in India. Hyderabad was the only global trading centre for these diamonds until the 18th century, accumulating a great deal of wealth in the process. 

The production of diamonds during the 16th and 17th centuries means that it is most common to find a Golconda diamond fashioned as an old mine cushion cut. The art of cutting a diamond by hand has largely been lost to time and only adds to the allure of owning such a rare gemstone.

By the late 19th century these deposits had been exhausted and to see a Golconda diamond today is to be in the presence of a jewel whose beauty has transcended time.

 

  

The Exceptional Qualities of a Golconda Diamond 

These diamonds are prized for their lack of impurities, resulting in diamonds of supreme clarity and brilliance. 

Golconda was also the first and most famous source of the incredibly rare type IIa diamonds, which account for less than 2% of all diamonds in existence. This group of diamonds are chemically the purest, as they are devoid of nitrogen and therefore display a superior transparency which often is described in comparison to water.

This is not to be confused with the colour grade or clarity, rather it is a quality in which light passes through the stone as if it were unimpeded, giving the stone a soft optical appearance.

Golconda diamonds are still revered to be the finest in the world, and diamonds with this description denote a particularly rare quality.

Legendary Golconda Diamonds 

Many of the world's most famous diamonds came from the Golconda mines. 

The Hope diamond, named for Henry Philip Hope, is a fancy dark greyish-blue diamond with a weight of 45.52 carats. After passing through several hands, it ended up in the collection of socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean and was thereafter purchased by Harry Winston. It now resides in the Smithsonian National Museum, after being given by Winston in 1958.

Type IIa Diamonds at Berganza

Every so often, Berganza is privileged enough to acquire one of these rare types of diamond. At present, the collection houses three type IIa diamonds showcasing different cuts from different eras. 

All set into rings, this old cut diamond, emerald-cut and marquise diamond all show off the versatility and timeless elegance of this incredible gemstone. Whether you are looking for a rare diamond engagement ring, or a piece to invest in, you could not do finer. 

The Golconda diamond is highly sought after by both collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewellery, and with so few available, we recommend visiting Berganza’s showroom located in London, Hatton Garden to view these pieces before they’re gone!

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FAQs


Can type IIa diamonds be found in mines apart from Golconda?   

Today, diamonds are being found that have type IIa characteristics yet are not from the Golconda mines.

1
Are Golconda diamonds valuable?   

Yes, their value is equated to rarity and these are one the most rare diamonds you could encounter, accounting for a very small percentage of diamonds on the market.

2
How can I tell if I have a type IIa diamond?   

You cannot tell with the naked eye whether a diamond is type IIa, so we recommend visiting a gem lab or gemmologist who has the necessary technical equipment to make this assessment.

3


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Updated 7/12/2024 at 3:36PM

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