The Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat fancy colour yellow diamond that once belonged to the private collection of Austrian royalty, resurfaced in a Canadian bank vault in November of last year. The diamond vanished shortly after World War I ended in 1918, and the mystery behind its disappearance fueled theories for the better part of a century.
It was later revealed that, motivated by the violence of World War I and World War II, the Habsburg family transported the diamond to Canada for safekeeping and agreed to keep its location secret for a century.
Now, the Florentine Diamond – as well as the suitcase it was transported in – will appear on public display at Quebec City’s MNBAQ (Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec).
The diamond is the centrepiece of the Hidden Treasure: A Century of Mystery exhibition. Empress Zita's grandson, Karl von Habsburg, said the exhibition was a symbol of the family’s immense gratitude to the people of Canada for welcoming them amid global war.
“The city of Québec offered my family safety, respect, and hope during a time of great uncertainty," explained
“Showing these jewels at the Musée is an expression of profound gratitude to Québec and Canada for welcoming and sheltering my grandmother and her eight children during World War II.”
Other highlights include a medallion featuring the Order of the Golden Fleece, a symbol of the Habsburg dynasty's secular ties to Catholicism, and a pocket watch once owned by Queen of France Marie Antoinette.
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