Legendary 137-Carat Diamond Rediscovered 100 Years After Disappearance
A significant historical artifact, the 137-carat Florentine diamond, has been rediscovered nearly a century after it vanished. This exquisite diamond, known for its large size and unique hues, was originally part of the Habsburg dynasty’s collection.
Background of the Florentine Diamond
The Florentine diamond holds a storied past. Once owned by the Medici family, it is famous for its remarkable clarity and distinct yellow and green tones. The diamond’s journey took a dramatic turn during the turbulence of World War I.
Escape to Switzerland
In 1918, as World War I drew to a close, Charles I of Austria-Hungary prepared to safeguard his family’s jewels. He arranged to transport the Habsburg dynasty’s collection, with the Florentine diamond as its centerpiece, to Switzerland for protection.
Disappearance and Rediscovery
After the war, the diamond seemed to vanish from history, prompting speculation about its fate. Concerns mounted that it had been lost or stolen, leaving its whereabouts unknown for years.
Empress Zita’s Secret
Recently, three descendants of the Habsburg family revealed to the New York Times that the diamond remained secure all along, hidden in an unexpected place. Empress Zita, Charles I’s wife, took measures to protect the family jewels when she fled Europe due to the rise of the Nazi regime.
- In 1940, Zita escaped to the United States with her eight children amid threats to their safety.
- She carried the diamond in a small cardboard suitcase, safeguarding it during their journey.
Decades in a Safe
Following their arrival in Canada, Zita placed the suitcase containing the Florentine diamond in a bank safe, where it remained undisturbed for decades. Only her two sons, Robert and Rodolphe, were informed of its location, under a promise of secrecy until 2022.
Plans for the Diamond
Now that the diamond’s location is known, the Habsburg family aims to display it in Canada as a gesture of gratitude for the refuge they received during the war. Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, Zita’s grandson, revealed that his grandmother wanted the secret kept until after her lifetime.
Zita passed away at the age of 96, having preserved the legacy of the Florentine diamond. Her efforts underscore the historical significance of the jewel, cherished not only as a family heirloom but also as a symbol of resilience amidst adversity.
