CrimeNov 25, 2020
Arrests Made in Green Vault Jewelry Heist CaseCrimeSep 07, 2021
6 Charged in Connection with Green Vault Jewel Heist
The men are charged with the theft of 18th century royal jewels from the museum in Dresden, Germany in November 2019.
Six suspects have been charged with breaking into the jewel room of the historic Green Vault in Dresden, Germany in November 2019 and stealing several pieces dating back to the 18th century. (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: David Brandt)
Berlin—Six suspects have been charged in connection with the theft of 18th century royal jewels from the Green Vault museum in Dresden, Germany in November 2019.
The men, German nationals ages 22 to 27, are charged with organized robbery and arson after breaking into the museum and swiping 21 pieces of jewelry with an insured value of at least $135 million, as per an NPR report.
Marion Ackermann, Dresden’s State Art Collections director, said at the time of the theft that the true value of the items couldn’t be measured.
“We cannot give a value because it is impossible to sell,” she told reporters. “The material value doesn’t reflect the historic meaning.”
The thieves are said to have lit a fire ahead of the break-in, disrupting the power supply to the lights above the museum windows and the streetlights outside.
An unregistered Audi A6 was also found set on fire nearby in an underground parking lot, which Dresden police confirmed matched the description of the getaway car.
The investigation was dubbed “Operation Epaulette.”
The missing jewels are still unaccounted for, and the suspects have not addressed the accusations against them.
SEE: Some of the Jewelry Stolen from the Green Vault
The men, German nationals ages 22 to 27, are charged with organized robbery and arson after breaking into the museum and swiping 21 pieces of jewelry with an insured value of at least $135 million, as per an NPR report.
Marion Ackermann, Dresden’s State Art Collections director, said at the time of the theft that the true value of the items couldn’t be measured.
“We cannot give a value because it is impossible to sell,” she told reporters. “The material value doesn’t reflect the historic meaning.”
The thieves are said to have lit a fire ahead of the break-in, disrupting the power supply to the lights above the museum windows and the streetlights outside.
An unregistered Audi A6 was also found set on fire nearby in an underground parking lot, which Dresden police confirmed matched the description of the getaway car.
The investigation was dubbed “Operation Epaulette.”
The missing jewels are still unaccounted for, and the suspects have not addressed the accusations against them.
SEE: Some of the Jewelry Stolen from the Green Vault
A jewel featuring rose-cut diamonds, dating back to the 18th century, was among the pieces stolen in the 2019 heist of the Green Vault in Dresden. (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
An epaulette featuring 20 large and 216 small diamonds; the largest diamond is about 31.5 carats. (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
A jewel-encrusted sword and scabbard (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
A piece of jewelry from Poland’s Order of the White Eagle (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
Breast star from the Order of the White Eagle (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
Jewel from the bustle of Queen Amalie Auguste (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
A sun-shaped hair pin set with 127 diamonds (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: Jürgen Karpinski)
Two of the suspects were already serving sentences for robbing the Bode Museum in Berlin, swiping a 220-pound Canadian gold coin dubbed the “Big Maple Leaf.”
That coin, valued at around $4.2 million, has also never been recovered, believed by authorities to have been cut into pieces and sold.
The Green Vault is one of the world’s oldest museums, created in 1723 by Augustus the Strong of Saxony, who wanted to establish Dresden as an arts hub.
His treasury, on display in Dresden’s Royal Palace, includes 4,000 jewels, objets d’art, and other historically significant items.
The museum’s most famous treasure is the Dresden Green Diamond, a 41-carat green diamond, which was on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for an exhibition at the time.
Michael Kretschmer, minister president of Saxony, took to Twitter at the time to comment on the heist, stating: “It’s not just the state art collections that were robbed, but us Saxons.”
“One can’t understand the history of Saxony without the Green Vault.”
An indictment was filed at the state court in Dresden, which then decides whether the case will go to trial.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
