Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Lost Florentine Diamond Found in Canadian Vault
A very valuable diamond called the Florentine Diamond, which was lost for about 100 years, has been found in a vault in Canada.
This diamond was once owned by the Hapsburg family, who were very important rulers in Europe.
The last owner was Empress Zita, who had to flee her home because of wars and revolutions.
She took the diamond with her and eventually hid it in a vault in Canada.
The diamond is very special because it's very big and has a pretty yellow color.
It's going to be shown to the public in Canada in 2026.
The diamond's story is so interesting that it even inspired a book!
The 137-Karat Florentine Diamond, part of the Hapsburg family jewels, was found in a Canadian vault after being lost for about 100 years.
The diamond was last owned by Empress Zita, wife of Charles I of the House of Hapsburg, who fled Europe during World War I and subsequent revolutions.
Empress Zita hid the diamond in a Canadian vault, and it was kept secret for 100 years before being revealed to her descendants.
The Florentine Diamond has a rich history, having been owned by the Medici family and entering the Austrian Royal family through matrimony.
The diamond is planned to be displayed to the public in Canada in 2026, and its story has inspired a bestselling novel.
- Who
- Empress Zita, the last owner of the Florentine Diamond, and her descendants
- What
- The discovery of the lost Florentine Diamond and other Hapsburg family jewels in a Canadian vault
- When
- The jewels were rediscovered in November, with plans for public display in 2026
- Where
- The jewels were found in a Canadian vault, with Empress Zita having lived in exile in Quebec, Canada
- Why
- Empress Zita hid the jewels to safeguard her family's inheritance during turbulent times, including World War I and subsequent revolutions
- Diamond Name
- Florentine Diamond
- Weight
- 137 Karat
- Color
- Yellow-hued
- Cut
- Double-rose cut
- Last Owner
- Empress Zita
- Current Location
- Canadian vault
- Public Display
- 2026 in Canada
- Estimated Value (19th Century)
- $133,654