The Princie Diamond, a stunning 34.65-carat cushion-cut fancy intense pink diamond, is steeped in history and intrigue. Despite its name being linked to the Gaekwads of Baroda, the diamond actually belonged to the Nizam royal family of Hyderabad, showcasing a rich tapestry of royal connections.
A Glittering Discovery
Discovered over 300 years ago in the famed Golconda mines, the Princie Diamond is regarded as the third largest pink diamond in the world, following the legendary Darya-ye Noor and Noor-ol-Ain, both part of the Iranian Crown Jewels. Its remarkable color and size make it a true gem among diamonds.
Historical Journey
Before earning its moniker “Princie,” the diamond was owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. In 1960, it was auctioned at Sotheby’s, where it fetched 46,000 British pounds. The London branch of Van Cleef & Arpels acquired the diamond and later transferred it to their Paris store. It was there that the diamond was named in honor of Princie, the affectionate nickname for the fourteen-year-old son of Sita Devi and Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad.
Record-Breaking Auction
On April 16, 2013, the Princie Diamond was auctioned by Christie’s in New York. It generated considerable buzz, with expectations of surpassing $45 million. Ultimately, it sold for an impressive $39.3 million, setting the record for the highest price ever paid for a Golconda mine diamond at auction, and becoming the most valuable jewel ever sold at Christie’s.
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