Diamonds of Golconda Mines
Golconda mines were one major source of Indian diamonds. The kingdom of Golconda was a group of mines concentrated around the Krishna river, located in the modern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Magnificent diamonds were taken from the mines in the region surrounding Golconda. Darya-e-Nur, meaning sea of light is 185 carats(37 g), the largest and finest diamond of the crown jewels of Iran.
Famous Diamonds from Golconda Mines
Many other famed diamonds are believed to have been excavated from the mines of Golconda:
- The Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond
- The Kohinoor
- The Hope Diamond
- Princie Diamond
- The Regent Diamond
- The Wittelsbach Diamond
Modern scientific analysis concludes many famous high quality diamonds like the Cullinan, Regent and the Koh-I-Noor can be proven to come from the Golconda area. These are the rarest and purest diamonds ever found.
9 Interesting facts about the Golkonda Diamond Mines
- Golconda diamonds are still considered to be the finest and possess superb luminousness and transparency.
- Experts around the world widely agree that all diamonds which display this special luminousness are of Indian origin.
- Gemologists use this classification to denote a diamond with a complete lack of nitrogen; “Golconda” material is also referred to as “2A.”
- Some Type 2A diamonds also exhibit exceptional transparency or crystal due to the purity of the carbon crystal lattice.
- These diamonds are highly transparent in shortwave ultraviolet light.
- Some of the Golconda mines diamonds highest prices when sold:
- 34.98-carat Beau Sancy diamond – sold for $9,699,618 (£5 million).
- The Archduke Joseph Diamond of 76.02 carats sold for $21.5 million.
- The Indian mines were eventually depleted and the diamond center shifted to Brazil where new diamond mines were discovered.
Read here How are Diamonds Formed?