DiamondBuzz
Lost Florentine Diamond Resurfaces in Canada After a Century, Tracing Its Glittering Origins to India’s Golconda Mines
Once a royal treasure of the Medici and Habsburg dynasties, the 137.27-carat gemstone reemerges in a Montreal vault, reaffirming India’s Golconda as the cradle of the world’s most storied diamonds.
The legendary Florentine Diamond — a 137.27-carat light yellow gemstone believed to have originated from India’s famed Golconda mines — has been rediscovered in a Canadian bank vault, ending over a hundred years of intrigue surrounding its disappearance.
According to recent reports, the diamond—once among Europe’s most celebrated royal jewels—was located in a vault in Montreal, safeguarded for decades by descendants of the Austrian imperial Habsburg family. The gemstone vanished after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, following Emperor Charles I’s exile, sparking decades of speculation over its fate — whether it was stolen, lost, or secretly sold.



Historians now confirm that Empress Zita, widow of Charles I, discreetly transferred the diamond to Canada during World War II for safekeeping. Its authenticity was recently verified by a European jewellery house that historically served the Habsburg court, confirming the gem’s provenance and preservation.
Renowned for its pale yellow hue and unique double-rose cut with 126 facets, the Florentine Diamond boasts a storied history — from its origins in India’s Golconda mines, to the Medici treasury in Florence, and later as part of the Austrian Crown Jewels in Vienna.
Its rediscovery has reignited global fascination with India’s gem legacy, which gave birth to other iconic diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor, Hope, and Nassak. Experts say the find underscores the importance of provenance and gem heritage in an increasingly globalised jewellery market.
The Habsburg family has announced plans to publicly exhibit the diamond in Canada next year, with potential displays in Europe to follow.
After more than a century of obscurity, the reemergence of the Florentine Diamond not only restores a lost royal masterpiece but also revives India’s enduring connection to the world’s most illustrious jewels.
DiamondBuzz
Natural Diamond Council and Dubai Jewellery Group Host a Successful ‘The Diamond Dialogue’ in Dubai
Industry leaders come together to discuss opportunities, challenges, and consumer trust in the diamond sector
Natural Diamond Council (NDC), a global not-for-profit organization collaborating the natural diamond industry and its entire value chain, hosted first-ever edition The Diamond Dialogue in partnership with Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG). The Diamond Dialogue was a thought-provoking industry roundtable that brought together leading voices from the UAE’s jewellery sector to discuss the evolving landscape of the natural diamond industry.
The session, held in Dubai, brought together key stakeholders, including retailers, industry leaders, and trade experts, for a candid exchange on the current challenges and opportunities shaping the diamond sector. Discussions centered on how the industry can better connect with today’s well-informed yet easily distracted consumer, ensuring that the emotional and enduring value of natural diamonds continues to shine through every interaction.
With the advent of lab-grown diamonds, experts reiterated that knowledge remains the cornerstone of trust and the strength of the diamond community. The dialogue emphasized the importance of clear and transparent communication, helping consumers understand that natural and lab-grown diamonds represent two distinct and parallel markets. Participants collectively agreed that honesty, transparency, and clarity must guide every engagement with consumers.
The session was moderated by Richa Singh, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC), and featured perspectives from Tawhid Abdullah, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery & Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group; K.P. Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group; Anuraag Sinha, Managing Director, Liali Jewellery; Chandu Siroya, Owner, Siroya Jewellers; and Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director, Dhamani Group.
Our special guest, Mr. Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), offered a unique perspective on the importance of building a transparent ecosystem that prioritizes consumer trust and protection.

Commenting on the session, Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council, “We’ve always envisioned The Diamond Dialogue as an open and honest conversation that leads to real action. Dubai has been the first market to embrace this initiative and to collaborate with us in moving the conversation forward. It’s inspiring to see industry leaders, retailers, and government stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, to strengthen trust, educate consumers, and shape a stronger, more transparent future for natural diamonds.”
Commenting on the session, Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group, “Dubai continues to be a beacon for the global jewellery trade, a place where innovation, integrity, and tradition converge. We are the most established jewellery market in the region and are thrilled to have NDC lead this important conversation. The Diamond Dialogue is an important step toward strengthening our collective voice and ensuring we uphold the highest standards of transparency and consumer confidence in natural diamonds.”

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