The incident occurred on 27 August at Vienna’s MAK – Museum of Applied Arts. Two men posed as visitors, entered the museum, smashed a glass cabinet, snatched the necklace, and fled the scene.
The necklace was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1939 and features more than 600 round and baguette-cut diamonds totalling more than 200 carats. It was commissioned by Queen Nazli of Egypt, along with a matching tiara, for a royal wedding.
Vienna authorities have reportedly launched an ‘extensive search operation’ for the suspects.
“A national and international manhunt is underway for two men suspected of committing a robbery at a museum in Vienna’s city centre yesterday,” a statement explained.
“During the robbery, they allegedly smashed a glass display case with a hammer and stole a valuable piece of jewellery. One of the perpetrators is believed to have been carrying a firearm. The suspects fled on foot towards the Stadtpark (City Park).”
“Extensive search operations have been launched, involving the Vienna Rapid Response Unit, the Vienna and Lower Austria police dog units, and the Vienna State Criminal Police Office.
“Currently, forensic experts are analysing the evidence collected and the video footage from security cameras, and further witnesses are being interviewed.”
The necklace was part of the Glanzstücke collection and was most recently sold at a Sotheby’s auction in December 2025 for $USD4.3 million ($AUD6 million).
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