Pink diamond mined in Golconda sold for $16 million

Hyderabad: An extremely rare, pink diamond, weighing 8.72 carats, called The Historic Pink that may have been mined from the Kollur Mines in Hyderabad was sold for a whopping $15.9 million.

The coloured diamond was sold at the Spring Magnificent Jewels and Nobel Jewels auction. A rare Pigeon Blood Ruby, weighing 25.59 carat, from Myanmar fetched a record breaking $30.33 million at the auction.

“It may have been found at the famous Kollur Mines near Hyderabad,” said Mr David Bennett, head of Sotheby’s international jewellery division. The Historic Pink is believed to have been part of the collection of Princess Mathilde, the niece of Emperor Napoleon I. The 8.72 pink diamond resurfaced recently as it was kept in a bank vault since the 1940s. Heritage enthusiast Mohd. Safiullah explained, “Pink diamonds of this size are very rare. Of all the known Golconda diamonds very few are pink. The most famous coloured diamond is the Hope diamond (blue colour).”

Exploration of the Kollur Mines began in the late 15th century and lasted till mid 19th century. The Kohinoor was found during the 16th century.

Till the discovery of diamonds in Brazil and South Africa the major source of diamonds was Golconda Mines. Between 1600 and 1800 about 12 million carats of diamonds were mined from the Golconda Mines.

Experts say that it would be good if the Telangana government invited foreign experts to re-explore the area and the Krishna valley as there is a possibility of finding precious stones.