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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of TreesThe “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsLate last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment ServiceThe secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's DayThe limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ WatchThe brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond CollectionThe jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New CollectionThe collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleThe trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ CharmFrom the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another WritedownThe moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
