Lost Florentine Diamond Rediscovered in Canada After 100 Years

blockchain In a remarkable turn of events, a renowned diamond that had been missing for over a century has resurfaced in Canada. This diamond, known as the Florentine diamond, weighs in at an impressive 137 carats and is distinguished by its exquisite pear shape and vibrant "fine citron" hue. Historically, this jewel has adorned European royalty and was believed to have vanished after the tumultuous end of the Second World War, leading many to speculate that it had been stolen or hidden away in South America.

The backdrop of this diamond's story dates back to the height of the Battle of Britain, when the UK government found itself in need of a secure location to store an astonishing 186,332 gold bars. In response, Canada was chosen as a safe haven. The gold was shipped across the Atlantic and secured in a hastily constructed vault in Montreal, an operation known as Operation Fish. This operation became synonymous with immense secrecy and the remarkable ability of Canadian institutions to safeguard important assets.

According to a recent report by the New York Times, the Florentine diamond's history is more nuanced than previously thought. Instead of being lost to time, the diamond remained a closely guarded family secret. The majority of the living heirs to the diamond were unaware of its existence or its location.

The diamond's journey began after World War I when the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I had his valuable jewels moved to Switzerland for safekeeping. This decision was made due to fears of Bolshevik and anarchist uprisings. Following the rise of the Nazis and their swift advance across Europe, Empress Zita, Charles's wife, was forced to flee with her eight children, carrying the precious jewels in a cardboard suitcase.

The family eventually settled in Quebec, Canada, where they found a sense of security. Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, a grandson of Charles I, shared insights with the New York Times, stating, "My grandmother felt very safe – she could breathe finally." He speculated that the suitcase containing the jewels was placed in a bank safe, where it remained undisturbed for decades.

At that time, only two individuals—Empress Zita's sons Robert and Rodolphe—were privy to the diamond's hidden location. Zita insisted that they keep the diamond's existence and whereabouts a secret for a century following Charles's death in 1922. Before their passing, the brothers shared this crucial information with their sons, emphasizing the importance of discretion: "The less people know about it, the bigger the security," noted von Habsburg-Lothringen.

In 1953, Zita returned to Europe, leaving the jewels securely stored in the Quebec bank. She lived nearly four more decades, passing away at the age of 96, but the diamond remained safely hidden away.

The Florentine diamond has a storied past, thought to have been owned by notable figures such as Charles the Bold and likely part of Florence’s Medici family collection. Its intricate history has fueled speculation regarding its sudden disappearance. Various theories have emerged about the diamond's origins, with some experts suggesting its irregular octagonal shape and 126 facets resemble traditional Indian cuts. Others believe that it may have been shaped by the renowned Flemish jeweler Lodewyk van Bercken.

The Florentine diamond's rediscovery in Canada marks a significant chapter in its long and mysterious history. From its royal lineage to its secretive storage, the diamond serves as a symbol of resilience and the enduring connection to Europe’s aristocratic past. As the jewel emerges from obscurity, it invites further exploration into its origins and the tales of those who once cherished it. The diamond's journey reminds us of the intricate tapestry woven through history and the secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface.