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Lost Florentine Diamond Resurfaces for Canadian Museum Display

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat gem once owned by the Habsburgs, resurfaced after more than a century.
In 1918, Emperor Charles I safeguarded the diamond by transporting it to Switzerland.
The Habsburg family later settled in Canada after fleeing Nazi persecution, and Empress Zita kept the location secret for 100 years.
The family now plans to display the diamond in a Canadian museum, confirming it remained in their possession.

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Story summary

The Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat gem once owned by the Habsburgs, resurfaced after more than a century.
In 1918, Emperor Charles I safeguarded the diamond by transporting it to Switzerland.
The Habsburg family later settled in Canada after fleeing Nazi persecution, and Empress Zita kept the location secret for 100 years.
The family now plans to display the diamond in a Canadian museum, confirming it remained in their possession.