Key Highlights
- A historic 137-carat diamond known as the Florentine diamond has been found after vanishing for over a century.
- The diamond was moved to safety in Switzerland during World War I by Emperor Charles I of Austria-Hungary.
- Empress Zita, wife of Emperor Charles I, carried the diamond in a small cardboard suitcase as she fled Europe with her family after facing threats from the Nazi regime.
- The diamond was stored in a Canadian bank for decades and is now set to be displayed in Canada as a thank you to the country that provided refuge during World War II.
Discovery of the Florentine Diamond
In an extraordinary turn of events, a legendary 137-carat diamond known as the Florentine diamond has been discovered after vanishing for over a century. This discovery was made possible through the efforts of three Habsburg relatives who revealed its location to The New York Times. The diamond’s journey back into the public eye is a testament to the resilience and strategic thinking of the Habsburg family during tumultuous times.
Historical Context
The Florentine diamond, once owned by the Medici family from India, was renowned for its rare size, cut, and color—crystal clear with hues of yellow and green. Emperor Charles I of Austria-Hungary, facing the imminent collapse of his empire at the end of World War I in 1918, arranged for the Habsburg dynasty’s family jewels to be moved to safety in Switzerland. The diamond was a prized member of this collection.
Escape and Secrecy
When faced with the threat of the Nazi regime, Empress Zita, wife of Emperor Charles I, played a crucial role in safeguarding the family’s treasures. In 1940, she fled Europe along with her family to the United States. To ensure the safety of the precious diamond and other jewels, she entrusted them to a small cardboard suitcase.
Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, a grandson of Empress Zita, explained that “at that stage, the little suitcase went into a bank safe, and that was it.”
For decades, the diamond remained hidden in this Canadian bank vault, its location known only to two of Zita’s sons. The family kept their secret well, with Karl stating, “The less people know about it, the bigger the security.” It wasn’t until recently that they decided to reveal the location and plan to display the diamond.
Future Plans
The Habsburg relatives hope to honor Canada for providing refuge during World War II by displaying the Florentine diamond in the country. This gesture is seen as a way to thank Canada for its support and to share this piece of historical significance with the public.
Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen expressed his family’s sentiment, saying, “I think she wanted to make sure that it was not in her lifetime.” He continued, “That was historically very important for her, because she was somebody who was thinking very much in historic terms.” This discovery highlights the enduring legacy of the Habsburg dynasty and their efforts to preserve their family’s treasures through challenging times.
The rediscovery of the Florentine diamond not only brings attention back to a piece of historical significance but also underscores the strategic planning and foresight demonstrated by the Habsburgs in safeguarding their assets during periods of crisis. As the diamond is set to be displayed, it will serve as both an artifact of history and a symbol of resilience.
