The Gaekwads of Baroda have long been celebrated as connoisseurs of exquisite jewels, and among their treasures lies the renowned fancy yellow diamond known as ‘The Moon of Baroda’. This stunning gem has a rich history intertwined with royalty, legends, and pop culture.
A Storied Past
The Moon of Baroda, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 24.04 carats, was part of the Gaekwadi treasury for nearly 500 years. Its journey took it to Austria, where it was worn by Empress Maria Theresa, the first and only female monarch of the Hapsburg Dynasty. After its time in Austria, the diamond was returned to the Gaekwads and was eventually set into a necklace in the 1860s.
In the 1920s, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III sold the diamond to an anonymous buyer. It resurfaced in the 1940s when it was purchased by Meyer Rosenbaum of Detroit in 1943. The diamond gained fame once again when it was gifted to actress Marilyn Monroe, who famously wore it during the filming of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Auction and Resurgence
In 1990, the Moon of Baroda was offered at Christie’s in New York, selling for $297,000—nearly tripling its low estimate. The diamond made a public appearance again in 2008 at the Diamond Divas exhibition in Antwerp, captivating audiences once more. In 2018, it was officially sold at Christie’s Hong Kong jewelry auction for an impressive $1.3 million.
Myths and Mystique
Like many famous diamonds, the Moon of Baroda is surrounded by myths. One such legend suggests that the diamond brings bad luck to its owner if it crosses the seas. This captivating narrative adds to the allure of the diamond, intertwining its history with the themes of fortune and misfortune that often accompany great treasures.
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