From Koh-i-Noor to Dresden Green, treasures of Golconda

In present-day Telangana lies a place steeped in rich history (literally) – Golconda region. Golconda 's reputation as a region rich in diamonds is deeply rooted in history and has fascinated gem enthusiasts, historians, and traders for centuries. Back in the 14th century, Golconda was a significant diamond-trading center.

The Kollur Mine, located near the districts of Guntur and Krishna (Paritala and Atkar), is one of the most famous diamond mines in the country. It produced a substantial number of high-quality diamonds, including some of the world's most renowned gems – the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond.


Golconda’s strategic location also contributed to its rise in the diamond trade. Back then, India was the only known country with diamond mines. Thus came the trading options. Golconda was the city where it all happened and the Golconda Fort the place where these diamonds were kept in vaults. In Golconda, the diamonds came from various other mines in and around the city.


The city must have been abuzz with activities, with several merchants and traders coming in from all over the world.



The famed Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond are from the collection called Golconda Diamonds. Another famed diamond from the region – the Dresden Green Diamond, is deserving of all praise and fame. It is believed to have been mined from the Kollur Mine, but exact origin remains unknown. After passing several hands, the gem was finally acquired by the state treasury of Saxony, where it became part of the famous Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe) museum in Dresden, Germany, from which it gets its name.


Though Golconda's diamond trade declined in the early 18th century, the term Golconda diamonds remained and still continues to be synonymous with exceptional quality and beauty of the diamonds, and most definitely the rich heritage of the region.