The Florentine Diamond’s journey from medieval dukes to Nazi looters revealed
One of history’s most famous lost gems, the Florentine Diamond, has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The yellow 137-carat stone, once owned by European royalty, vanished from public record for over a century before resurfacing in reports linking it to a Canadian bank vault in 2018. Its journey—from medieval dukes to Nazi searches—remains a tale of power, prophecy, and persistent legend.
The earliest known records of the Florentine Diamond trace back to the 15th century, when it was said to belong to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. By the 17th century, it had entered the collection of the Medici family in Florence, later passing into Habsburg hands through Franz Stephan, husband of Empress Maria Theresa.
The Florentine Diamond’s story spans centuries, from Burgundian dukes to Nazi looters and modern-day vaults. While its current status remains unverified, the 2018 reports placed it in Canada, decades after its disappearance. Whether intact, destroyed, or still concealed, the gem’s legacy continues to captivate historians and treasure seekers alike.
