DiamondBuzz
Christie’s present The Golconda Blue:the largest fancy vivid blue diamond offered at auction
Christie’s is proud to present The Golconda Blue—the largest Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond ever to be offered at auction. Weighing an extraordinary 23.24 carats, this superb historic gemstone will headline Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale, taking place live on 14 May 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, with an estimate of $35 – 50 million. The Golconda Blue, perfectly mounted in a ring by JAR, is a true masterpiece with its recently uncovered royal provenance, mesmerizing colour, and sensational size. It ranks among the rarest and most important diamonds ever discovered throughout history.
This exceptional pear-shaped Golconda diamond boasts a remarkable provenance rooted in Indian Royalty. Yeshwant Rao Holkar, the Maharaja of Indore and a member of the Holkar dynasty, was known—alongside his wife—for a lifestyle defined by elegance and cosmopolitan sophistication in the 1920s and ’30s. 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.
In 1913, his father acquired the famed Indore Pear diamonds from Chaumet, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the historic Parisian Maison. In 1923, during another visit to Chaumet, he commissioned a diamond bracelet set with his own 23-carat pear-shaped Golconda blue diamond.
Drawn to the firm’s avant-garde flare, Yeshwant Rao Holkar appointed Mauboussin as his official jeweler in 1933. Thereafter, Mauboussin reimagined much of the Maharaja’s collection and created the exceptional necklace including the Golconda Blue and the Indore Pears, worn by the Maharani of Indore memorialized in a portrait by Bernard Boutet de Monvel (illustrated on top of release).
Yeshwant Rao Holkar also collaborated with other iconic jewelers, including Harry Winston. In 1946, Mr. Winston purchased the Indore Pears from the Maharaja, and the following year, in January 1947, he acquired this 23-carat blue diamond. Winston later set it in a brooch alongside a matching 23-carat white diamond, which he sold to the Maharaja of Baroda. The brooch was subsequently reacquired by Mr. Winston and resold as a newly designed jewel to its current owner.
Now, over a century later, this legendary blue diamond comes to auction for the very first time, set as a striking contemporary ring by the celebrated Parisian designer JAR.
The legacy of Golconda diamonds begins with a reference found in a 4th-century Sanskrit manuscript. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great brought diamonds from India to Europe, sparking the West’s enduring fascination with these rare gems. By 1292 AD, Marco Polo famously chronicled the captivating beauty of Indian diamonds in his travel writings. Today, The Golconda Blue stands not only as a natural marvel but also as a storied jewel—its provenance bridging continents, dynasties, and centuries.
DiamondBuzz
Mangalsutra Revival 2025–26: How India’s wedding boom is powering a new era of cultural jewellery
by Viraj Thadeshwar-CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra Ltd
A Historic Wedding Season Driving Jewellery Demand
India is entering one of the most robust wedding seasons in recent years, with a record number of auspicious dates and full-scale celebrations making a strong comeback. This renewed vibrancy is expected to fuel significant demand for bridal jewellery across the country.
Weddings continue to remain the single-largest consumption driver for gold and diamond jewellery in India, and 2025–26 is poised to be no different. Retailers are already reporting heightened customer interest and increased pre-bookings for bridal collections, signalling bullish sentiment for the months ahead.
The Mangalsutra: A Timeless Symbol Strengthened by Tradition
At the core of this surge lies the most meaningful and culturally significant ornament in Hindu marriage — the mangalsutra.
More than a piece of jewellery, it is a sacred symbol of marital commitment, emotional connection, and lifelong partnership.
For generations, the mangalsutra has been considered non-negotiable in a bride’s trousseau. Even as tastes evolve, this deep-rooted sentiment remains unchanged. Every bride, regardless of region or style preference, views the mangalsutra as the ultimate expression of tradition and identity.
Renewed Traction as Weddings Return to Full Scale
With weddings regaining their pre-pandemic scale, the mangalsutra category is witnessing a strong revival. Retailers across India are expecting double-digit growth this season, driven by cultural significance, modern design innovation, and the desire for multiple variations of this essential ornament.
At Shringar House of Mangalsutra Ltd, this trend is even more pronounced. The brand is witnessing record retailer inquiries nationwide, indicating a clear shift toward curated mangalsutra assortments.
Modern Brides Want More Than One Mangalsutra
A key evolution shaping demand is the changing mindset of young brides. Today’s bride is both rooted in tradition and expressive in personal style, balancing heritage with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Brides are increasingly purchasing three distinct types of mangalsutras:
- Traditional / Heavy Pieces — for rituals and wedding ceremonies
- Lightweight Daily-Wear Designs — prioritising comfort and practicality
- Occasion-Wear / Diamond Mangalsutras — designed to complement modern outfits
Versatility has become a major purchasing driver, with brides seeking jewellery suitable for both ethnic and western wear. Personal identity and styling preferences now play a stronger role in design decisions, making multi-category buying behaviour a significant growth contributor.
The Rise of Lightweight & Diamond-Styled Mangalsutras
Design trends are evolving rapidly, with rising demand for:
Lightweight, Minimalist Mangalsutras
Perfect for daily wear, these designs deliver elegance without heaviness. They are especially popular among working women and younger brides who prioritise comfort, versatility, and subtle sophistication.
Diamond-Studded Mangalsutras
This segment has emerged as the fastest-growing category. With refined brilliance and contemporary appeal, diamond mangalsutras are becoming a trousseau essential for fashion-conscious brides.
At Shringar, the design philosophy focuses on preserving the emotional essence of the mangalsutra while integrating global aesthetics, fine craftsmanship, and modern versatility.
A Powerful Moment for the Mangalsutra Category
As India embraces full-scale weddings supported by strong consumer sentiment, the mangalsutra stands at the centre of this resurgence — not merely as jewellery, but as a living cultural legacy growing stronger with every generation.
The upcoming season presents a tremendous opportunity for both retailers and manufacturers. For Shringar House of Mangalsutra Ltd, it marks a moment to celebrate heritage, drive design innovation, and strengthen its commitment to serving the emotional and cultural heartbeat of Indian weddings.
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Mangalsutra Revival 2025–26: How India’s wedding boom is powering a new era of cultural jewellery
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