CrimeJul 02, 2024
Theodore Roosevelt’s Stolen Watch Winds Its Way HomeCrimeAug 16, 2024
Jewels Stolen During Green Vault Heist Back on Display
Most of the 18th century royal jewelry taken from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden, Germany, in 2019 went back on display this week.
Visitors to the Green Vault Museum in Dresden, Germany, can now view the recovered jewelry that was stolen from the museum in a November 2019 heist. (© State Art Collections Dresden, Photo: David Pinzer)
Dresden, Germany—Most of the 18th century royal jewelry stolen from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden, Germany, during a November 2019 heist is now back on display.
German authorities recovered almost all the jewelry in 2022, though a few pieces are still missing, including a large jeweled bustle bow that belonged to Queen Amalie Auguste of Bavaria and an epaulet set with the “Saxon White” diamond.
“We are very grateful to the Dresden Regional Court for approving the relocation of the jewels to their original location,” Marion Ackermann, director general of the Dresden State Art Collections, said in a statement translated from German.
“However, they will remain secured for judicial appraisal. The reinstallation of the display case now allows the citizens of Saxony and all interested visitors to experience the Green Vault again in almost all its glory.”
German authorities recovered almost all the jewelry in 2022, though a few pieces are still missing, including a large jeweled bustle bow that belonged to Queen Amalie Auguste of Bavaria and an epaulet set with the “Saxon White” diamond.
“We are very grateful to the Dresden Regional Court for approving the relocation of the jewels to their original location,” Marion Ackermann, director general of the Dresden State Art Collections, said in a statement translated from German.
“However, they will remain secured for judicial appraisal. The reinstallation of the display case now allows the citizens of Saxony and all interested visitors to experience the Green Vault again in almost all its glory.”
The museum is welcoming visitors back to see the recovered jewelry. (© State Art Collections Dresden, Photo: David Pinzer)
The jewels need some restoration, according to museum officials. (© State Art Collections Dresden, Photo: David Pinzer)
The jewels were returned with some “barely visible” damage, said Ackermann, and need to be repaired.
“The returned pieces are major artistic works of Saxon and international jewelry art of the 18th century. We assume that, in principle, all damage can be restored. An international commission of experts will meet for this purpose after the jewels have been released,” she said.
In May 2023, a German court convicted five men of breaking into the museum and stealing jewels with an insured value of at least $135 million.
Throughout the investigation, museum officials said the jewels were priceless in terms of their historical and cultural value and hoped for their return.
The men were all members of the Berlin-based Remmo organized crime family, according to German news agency DPA.
The men, ages 24 to 29 at the time, were sentenced to between 4 and 6 years in prison. A sixth suspect was acquitted.
The sentences were handed down as part of a plea bargain, following the retrieval of some of the stolen jewels in late 2022.
Local police said at the time that they found 31 jewels in Berlin and most of the pieces were intact.
“Of course, we have not given up hope of being able to exhibit the remaining jewels here in the Green Vault one day,” said Ackermann.
“We cannot undo the break-in, but we can ensure that it cannot happen again,” she said, noting the museum’s security architecture has been reviewed and it is coordinating with the relevant authorities.
The museum is inviting the public to come see the recovered jewels, offering extended opening hours and a limited number of free tickets on its website.
In a post on X, Saxony Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer said it was a good day for Saxony.
Heute ist ein guter Tag für #Sachsen. 2019 haben kriminelle Clans aus Berlin sich unser #kulturelles #Erbe zu eignen gemacht. Doch wir haben für unseren Schatz gekämpft! Dank der unermüdlichen Arbeit von #Polizei, #Justiz und Politik konnte ein großer Teil der Schmuckstücke… pic.twitter.com/c0pjb8NOCq
— Michael Kretschmer (@MPKretschmer) August 13, 2024
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, is comprised of 4,000 jewels, objets d’art, and other historically significant items, including the 41-carat “Dresden Green” diamond.
His treasury, on display in Dresden’s Royal Palace, is comprised of 4,000 jewels, objets d’art, and other historically significant items, including the 41-carat “Dresden Green” diamond.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
