The jewelry world is abuzz with the dramatic announcement that the legendary "Florentine Diamond" has finally emerged from obscurity after nearly a century of mystery. Once a part of the Austrian Crown Jewels and long considered lost, this extraordinary gemstone had been safely stored in a Canadian bank vault — its existence concealed for generations.
During its early history, the Florentine Diamond had been touted as one of the world's largest diamonds. The pale yellow stone with faint green overtones, demonstrated an unusual nine-sided double rosette shape bearing 126 facets and weighing exactly 137.27 carats. In a historical record dating back to 1865, the color of the Florentine Diamond was described as "wine mixed tenfold with water."
Believed to have been unearthed at the famous Golconda mines of India, the diamond’s documented journey begins in the early 1600s with the mighty Medici dynasty in Florence. It was acquired by the Grand Duke of Tuscany and eventually, under Grand Duke Cosimo II, was cut into the double rosette shape by Venetian craftsman Pompeo Studentoli. The final piece was delivered in October 1615.
From the Medici it passed into Habsburg hands in 1737 via the marriage of Francis Stephen of Lorraine and Empress Maria Theresa, becoming part of the Austrian Crown Jewels.
With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 and the exile of Emperor Charles I, the Florentine vanished from public view. In reality, it was carried by Empress Zita (wife of Charles I) and her eight children, fleeing the Nazi threat during World War II, across the Atlantic to North America.
Reports say she packed her jewels, including the Florentine, in a modest cardboard suitcase when she arrived in the United States in 1940, then continued onward to Canada.
Upon settling in Quebec, the gems were placed in a Canadian bank vault — where the Florentine remained untouched for decades.
Zita instructed her sons, Robert and Rodolphe, to keep the diamond’s location secret for 100 years after Emperor Charles’s death in 1922.
Only a handful of family members knew the truth. Earlier this month, grandsons Karl, Lorenz and Simeon von Habsburg-Lothringen revealed the story publicly, confirming the diamond’s authenticity and Canadian location.
The Habsburg heirs have stated they do not plan to sell the stone, but rather hope to display it — and select accompanying jewels — in Canada as a gesture of thanks to the country that sheltered their family. The province of Quebec is working with the family and the Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts to explore a public exhibition.
Meanwhile, Austria has launched an inquiry, with government officials stating that if the Florentine is legally Austrian property they will seek its return.
In the end, the Florentine Diamond is a sparkling intersection of geology, craftsmanship and history. Its rediscovery reminds us that the most valuable jewels are not just about size or brilliance, but the fascinating human narratives they carry through time.
Credits: Photo of the reproduction of the Florentine Diamond by Manuelarosi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Historical technical drawing by Ahnode, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
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