3 days ago

Historic 673-Diamond Necklace Stolen From Vienna Museum During Heist

Historic 673-Diamond Necklace Stolen From Vienna Museum During Heist
Vienna Museum Heist: Historic Egyptian queen's 673-diamond necklace worth $4.3 million stolen · livemint.com

A very valuable necklace was stolen from a museum in Vienna, Austria.

The necklace is made of platinum and has 673 diamonds.

Together, the stones weigh 200 carats.

It was connected to Egypt’s royal family and was being shown on loan.

Police say two men bought tickets and broke the glass case with a hammer.

People were in the room, but nobody was hurt.

Police released pictures of the men and are searching for them.

The museum temporarily closed the exhibition after the theft.

Investigators reportedly suspect the theft may have been planned for a criminal gang, but no motive has been confirmed.

Key facts

Reported value
$4.3 million at a 2015 Sotheby’s sale; Austrian media also reported several million dollars and ₹38.17 crore.
Stolen object
A platinum and diamond necklace associated with Egypt’s royal family.
Precious stones
673 diamonds or precious stones.
Combined weight
200 carats.
Ownership and loan
The necklace was loaned from the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial collection.
Police response
Authorities released security-camera images and deployed officers and tracking dogs.
Exhibition response
The Museum of Applied Arts temporarily closed the exhibition and cancelled a scheduled guided tour.
Historical comparison
The theft was described as Vienna’s most valuable art heist since the Saliera was stolen in 2003.

Quotes

Austrian police

Authorities investigating the theft and appealing to the public for information

“The perpetrators fled with the jewellery in an unknown direction.”
livemint.com

Sources

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