In May 3rd week of 2018, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam ( TTD) ’s Ex-priest Ramana Deekshitulu raised a storm amongst devotees, by accusing that a pink diamond belonging to TTD inventory was gone missing from 2001. He accused that “The Raj Pink” the largest pink diamond in the world which was listed in auction in Geneva in November 2017, actually belongs to Tirumala Tirupati devastanam. This conspiracy theory caught attention of Telugu media as well as National media and political parties. This issue is causing a stir since then.
Telugu360 did some research or fact finding on this issue of ‘The Raj Pink ‘diamond. This 37.30 carat ‘Raj pink diamond ‘was found in South Africa in 2015. It was first unveiled in London in October 2017, took center stage of Jewels sale in Geneva on 15 November. The pre-sale estimate for the diamond was $20 million to $30 million. However it was not sold because maximum bid was approximately at $14 Million.
American Multinational Corporation, one of the world’s largest jewelry broker , Sotheby’s conducted the auction. According to this reputed firm “The rough diamond which yielded ‘The Raj Pink’ was studied for over a year after its discovery in 2015. It was then entrusted to a master cutter, who brought the diamond’s innermost beauty to full display by crafting it into an exceptional cushion-modified brilliant cut. “ .
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which certified the diamond, characterized it as an “astonishing stone” A Geneva based dealer and diamond expert Eric Valdieu reportedly said that lack of history (historical background) was one of the reasons for this diamond had not fetched expected price in auction. Other primary reasons cited were it was modern, recent stone.
While the facts are as above, it is really amusing and funny that responsible individuals such as Ramana Deekshitulu are claiming ‘The Raj Pink’ as our TTD diamond. Politicians such as Pawan Kalyan have stepped in to compare The Raj pink with Kohinoor diamond.
Andhra politicians and Ramana Deekshithulu so far have not provided any evidence of a diamond existence, instead they claim a South African diamond owned by a private party as our own. Taking things further, politicians such as Pawan Kalyan are now suggesting they will fight for the diamond (which is owned by a private party in South Africa). Anybody can guess what will a professional diamond company will do if you turn out and claim rights of diamond without any proof.
Sources :
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/16/raj-pink-diamond-top-gems-fail-to-sell-at-sothebys-sale.html
