'Golconda Blue' diamond goes under hammer

It is a once in a lifetime grand appearance on the auction circuit, likely to fetch $35-50 million

- AGENCIES

A rare 'Golconda Blue' diamond with its rich royal history tracing back to the Holkar dynasty is set for a "once in a lifetime" grand appearance on the auction circuit as it goes under the hammer in Christie's 'Magnificent Jewels' sale in Geneva next month.

The exceptional pear-shaped blue diamond, estimated to fetch between USD 35-50 million, is associated with Yeshwant Rao Holkar, the Maharaja of Indore and a member of the Holkar dynasty, who along with his wife was known for a grand lifestyle in the 1920s and 1930s.

A Knight of the Order of the Indian Empire, the Maharaja spent much of his time abroad, cultivating a strong affinity for Western art, design, and jewellery.

"Exceptional noble gems of this calibre come to market once in a lifetime," said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Head of Jewellery.