A CUT ABOVE

Until diamonds were discovered in Africa in the 1860's, the world's entire supply came from India, where they were first found around 3,000 years ago in the Golconda region of the Deccan Plateau. But now that the Indian mines have dried up, these jewels are incredibly rare. Occasionally a Golconda diamond will come to auction, or surface in the inventory of a dealer or jewellery house; it is the ultimate prize for gem collectors looking for a one-of-a-kind piece. Andre Abadjian, co-founder of Star Diamond Private Jeweller in Mayfair, came accross this 35.28-carat stone a couple of years ago. He is a third generation diamond dealer by trade and so, like everyone involved in this secrative world, he knew for many reasons that he had to buy it. The particularly rare orange hue and ingenious cut (it's flat and so looks closer to 60 carats) all helped. But knowing that it once belonged to the legendary ruling families of India made it a purchase too good to miss out on.