Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Historic 673-Diamond Necklace Stolen From Vienna Museum During Heist
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.
Two men allegedly smashed a display case and stole the necklace from Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts.
The platinum necklace contains 673 diamonds and has a combined weight of 200 carats.
The necklace was associated with Egypt’s royal family and was on loan from Van Cleef & Arpels’ patrimonial collection.
Police released images of the unmasked suspects and appealed for public information.
Reports differ on whether the theft occurred Thursday or Friday; the museum closed the exhibition afterward.
- Who
- Vienna police are seeking two male suspects who allegedly stole the necklace.
- What
- A historic platinum and diamond necklace was taken from the Museum of Applied Arts.
- When
- Reports conflict: one says the theft occurred Thursday afternoon, while another says it occurred Friday after tickets were bought Thursday.
- Where
- The Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria.
- Why
- Police are investigating; Austrian media reported that investigators suspect a possible contract job for a criminal gang, but no motive is confirmed.
- 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.
