What's happened
Descendants of Austria’s royal family disclosed that the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat gem linked to the Medici, has been kept in a Canadian vault since 1918. The family kept its location secret for a century, planning to display it publicly in Canada now that the secrecy period has ended.
What's behind the headline?
The revelation challenges long-standing myths about the diamond's fate, showing it was never lost but kept in secrecy for security reasons. The family’s decision to now reveal its location reflects a shift from clandestine preservation to public display, likely driven by the end of the confidentiality period. This story underscores how royal families often safeguard their treasures to protect their legacy, and the move to exhibit the diamond in Canada highlights a recognition of the country's role in their exile. The authenticity confirmed by jewelers suggests the diamond’s historical significance will now be appreciated globally. This story also raises questions about the future of royal artifacts and their potential to reshape historical narratives once hidden secrets are revealed.
What the papers say
The New York Times, The Independent, Robin Pogrebin's article in the New York Times all detail the family’s long-held secret, emphasizing that the diamond was never stolen but kept in a vault in Canada. The sources differ slightly in tone: The Independent highlights the family’s decision to finally disclose the secret after a century, while the NY Times provides detailed background on the family’s security measures. Robin Pogrebin’s report underscores the historical context of the diamond’s ownership and disappearance, framing the story as a significant historical correction. All sources agree that the family intends to display the jewel publicly in Canada, marking a historic shift in the narrative of the Florentine Diamond.
How we got here
The Florentine Diamond, once owned by the Medici family, disappeared after the Austro-Hungarian Empire's collapse in 1918. Rumors of theft and recutting circulated for decades. Recent disclosures by the Habsburg family confirm the diamond was hidden in Canada during their exile, preserved in a vault since World War II, with family members entrusted to keep its location secret for 100 years to ensure security.
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Charles I or Karl I was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, King of Croatia, King of Bohemia, and the last of the monarchs belonging to the House of Habsburg-Lorraine to rule over Austria-Hungary.