One of the world's most enigmatic and valuable diamonds, missing for over half a century, has been located in the most unexpected of places - a Canadian bank vault. The Florentine Diamond, a breathtaking 132-carat yellow gemstone with a history spanning royal dynasties and wartime theft, has finally been found after decades of speculation about its whereabouts.
The Royal Jewel That Vanished
This extraordinary discovery solves one of the jewellery world's most enduring mysteries. The Florentine Diamond's journey reads like a historical thriller, having passed through the hands of European royalty before its dramatic disappearance during the chaos of World War II.
The gem's last known owner was John G. Wood, an unassuming Canadian who inherited the diamond from his father. Before his death in the 1960s, Wood revealed the incredible secret to his family: he possessed one of history's most sought-after jewels.
A Nazi-Looted Treasure
The diamond's modern history is shadowed by conflict. During World War II, the stone was stolen by Nazi forces, becoming part of the vast treasure trove looted by the regime. Its recovery and subsequent journey to North America remained shrouded in mystery until now.
Experts estimate the Florentine Diamond's current value at a staggering £14 million, though its historical significance makes it virtually priceless to collectors and historians alike.
The Canadian Connection
The discovery came to light when Wood's descendants, aware of their unusual inheritance, sought to establish the diamond's legal ownership. Their research led them to place the stone in a secure Canadian bank vault while they navigated the complex legal landscape surrounding such historically significant items.
The diamond's identification has been confirmed by gemological experts, who have verified its unique characteristics matching historical descriptions of the Florentine Diamond.
What Happens Next?
The current owners now face the delicate task of determining the diamond's future. Options include:
- Returning the gem to its country of origin
- Donating it to a museum for public display
- Selling it through specialised auction houses
- Maintaining it as a family heirloom
Legal experts are currently examining the complex ownership history to establish the most appropriate course of action for this remarkable piece of history.
The rediscovery of the Florentine Diamond represents not just the recovery of a precious stone, but the resolution of a historical mystery that has captivated jewellery experts and historians for generations. Its journey from royal courts to a Canadian bank vault serves as a poignant reminder of how history's treasures can surface in the most unexpected places.
