An exclusive report on 5 historic diamonds that were lost, hidden or otherwise “elusive”, and then later re-sighted in the historical record or rediscovered.
The story of great precious stones is often one of glamour, power and mystery. Some of the most famous diamonds plunged into obscurity by theft, war or royal upheaval — only to re-emerge later. The following report explores 5 historic diamonds that remained elusive for long periods and then were sighted again.
Hope Diamond. This deep blue diamond originally formed part of the French crown jewels as the “French Blue”. During the turmoil of the French Revolution the royal collection was stolen in 1792, and the French Blue vanished. Years later a cut version surfaced in the hands of British banker Henry Philip Hope, and eventually the stone now known as the Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Its reappearance after the Revolution gave the world a remarkable link between royal history and gem-legend.
Régent Diamond. Discovered in India (in the Golconda region) around 1698, this diamond weighed several hundred carats in rough form and was traded into the hands of European royalty. In 1792, the jewel was stolen along with France’s crown jewels but was recovered a year later when it was found hidden in roof-timbers in Paris. From then on the stone remained in the French treasury and today forms part of the collection at the Louvre Museum, symbolizing both royal splendor and the dramatic upheavals of revolutionary Europe.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond. Originating in India (in the Golconda region), this pear shaped 6-8 carat fine blue diamond, was once worn by the Asaf Jah I the first Nizam of Hyderabad (ruled from 1724 to 1748) in a high value turban ornament. The diamond was handed over to the French during the reign of Asaf Jah II (ruled from 1762 – 1803) in return for military support. The Seraphim Blue Diamond remained elusive for centuries, probably changing hands in privately negotiated transactions. Sustained interest in this Golconda blue diamond continues. The diamond has never appeared at a public auction or recorded as a direct sale.
Florentine Diamond. This legendary 137-carat “fine citron” yellow diamond was once part of the Medici family’s jewels, later the Habsburg crown jewels. For many decades it was thought lost — rumors included recutting, theft or destruction. However, recent revelations indicate the stone has been stored in a Canadian vault by descendants of the Habsburg family, and thus the “lost” diamond has re-emerged into historical view. Its resurfacing closes one of the most persistent mysteries of gem history.
Kazanjian Red Diamond. Red diamonds are extraordinarily rare; this 5.05-carat emerald-cut red diamond was mined in South Africa in the 1920s. During WWII it was confiscated by the Nazis in the Netherlands and taken to a salt mine. After the war it was rediscovered by U.S. authorities (initially mistaken for a ruby) and eventually surfaced in private hands. Its story of wartime loss and later rediscovery makes it a modern example of a “lost and found” gemstone.
Summary
Each of these diamonds illustrates a similar arc: discovery, prominence, disappearance (through theft, war, secrecy or political upheaval), and eventual reappearance. They reflect not just the physical beauty of natural diamonds but also the human dramas of empire, revolution, war and intrigue. For collectors, historians and gem-lovers alike, such diamonds carry rich stories far beyond their carat weight or clarity.
