38 Carat D Flawless Golconda Diamond - Christina Onassis Ownership History

The Fabled 38 Carat D Flawless Golconda Diamond

The mystique and allure of large and rare diamonds have captured the human imagination for centuries. Precious stones like the Hope Diamond and Koh-i-Noor have passed through royal dynasties and now reside in famous museum collections. Yet even among such storied gems, the 38 carat D Flawless pear-shaped Golconda diamond stands out for its exceptional quality and romantic history.

Origins in the Legendary Golconda Mines

The Golconda region in India was once the world's primary source of diamonds. For centuries, the mines in this area produced stones of the finest color, clarity and size. Golconda diamonds were highly prized by Mughal emperors and European royalty alike. Their pure white color and exceptional transparency set them apart from diamonds found elsewhere.

The 38 carat pear-shaped diamond is a classic Type IIa Golconda, displaying the characteristic icy white hue and flawless clarity associated with the best diamonds from this region. Weighing an impressive 38 carats, it ranks among the largest gems sourced from these mines. The D color grade is the highest possible white rating and the VVS1 clarity grade is exceptional for a diamond of this size. All these factors make this diamond exceptionally rare and valuable.

Ownership by Greek Heiress Christina Onassis

In the later 20th century, this remarkable stone came into the possession of Christina Onassis, the only daughter of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Christina inherited her father's fortune after his death and was once considered the wealthiest woman in the world. Her lavish lifestyle and four marriages to eminent men kept her in the public eye.

As an immensely rich heiress, Christina assembled a stellar jewelry collection featuring more than 60 high-quality diamonds. Foremost among them was the 38 carat D Flawless pear shaped Golconda diamond. Given her connoisseur's taste and virtually unlimited resources, she was able to acquire some of the finest diamonds in existence. This included several world-class Golcondas that will forever be associated with her name and collections.

Current Home at M.S. Rau Antiques

After Christina's death, her jewelry collection was sold off by her heirs. The buyer of the 38 carat Golconda was American jeweler Harry Winston, who integrated it into a stunning pear-shaped diamond necklace. In 2002, M.S. Rau Antiques of New Orleans acquired the necklace for its vintage jewelry inventory. This New Orleans-based antique store is renowned for its multimillion-dollar collection of rare jewelry and Golconda diamonds in particular.

Today, the 38 carat D Flawless pear shaped diamond necklace remains a showcase piece of M.S. Rau's antique jewelry selection. For diamond connoisseurs, it represents the pinnacle of Golconda craftsmanship and the legacy of one of the world's greatest mining regions. The story of its previous owner Christina Onassis adds further prestige and intrigue. As a best-of-the-best example of a Type IIa Golconda diamond, this legendary 38 carat gem continues to enchant jewelry aficionados from around the world.

Key Features of the 38 Carat Diamond

• Weighs an impressive 38 carats
• D color grade - highest white color rating
• VVS1 clarity - exceptional for a diamond of this size
• Classic Type IIa Golconda diamond with exceptional transparency
• Previously owned by Greek heiress Christina Onassis
• Currently displayed at M.S. Rau Antiques jewelry store in New Orleans

Rarity and Allure of Large Golconda Diamonds

Large diamonds of over 10 carats are inherently rare. Golconda diamonds of this size are exponentially more so, as these mines have been depleted for over a century. Their combination of exceptional color, clarity and cut captivated royalty and connoisseurs alike.Precious few Golcondas have survived in private hands, and those that have are cherished for their unique characteristics. For these reasons, this 38 carat diamond ranks among the finest diamonds available in the world today. As an heirloom-quality Type IIa Golconda, it stands in a class of its own.

FAQs

What makes the 38 carat Golconda diamond so rare?

Its combination of huge size, D color grade (highest white), and VVS1 clarity (exceptional for a diamond this large) makes it extremely rare. It is also a highly coveted Type IIa Golconda, known for exceptional optical transparency.

Who owns the 38 carat diamond currently?

The diamond is currently on display at M.S. Rau Antiques jewelry store in New Orleans. They acquired the diamond necklace containing the stone in 2002.

What is the estimated value of the 38 carat Golconda diamond?

As an extremely rare and high quality diamond, its value is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. Large D Flawless diamonds of this type are some of the most expensive gems in the world.

Where was the 38 carat diamond worn when Christina Onassis owned it?

Christina Onassis had the diamond set into a necklace, which she wore around her neck. After she died, Harry Winston purchased the stone and reset it into a pear shaped diamond necklace.

Why are Golconda diamonds so coveted?

Golconda diamonds originated from ancient mines in India that are now depleted. Their exceptional color, clarity and transparency made them prized by royalty. Few Golcondas exist today, making them highly coveted by collectors.