Sissi's lost jewels found (but her crown is missing)
A century-old mystery has finally come to light: the legendary jewels of Sisi , the popular and beloved empress, have been rediscovered in Canada after more than a hundred years. Kept in a secret vault, alongside the famous yellow Florentiner diamond, they had been missing since 1921 and were feared stolen.
The discovery rekindles the enduring allure of Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria, a symbol of grace, charm, freedom, and romantic melancholy. But among the jewels, a key piece is missing : Sisi's diamond crown , the empress's most iconic jewel.
Discovery of the Habsburg treasureThe extraordinary discovery was revealed by Charles of Habsburg , grandson of the last emperor of Austria, Charles I. The treasure , consisting of jewels that belonged to the Habsburg family and personal objects of Sissi, was found in a safe in Canada , where it had been kept for over a century.
Among the recovered pieces, the yellow Florentiner diamond stands out – also known as “The Florentine” – a gem weighing over 137 carats, considered one of the most beautiful ever to arrive in Europe from Asia.
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The journey of these jewels tells a fascinating story. In November 1918, when Emperor Charles I realized the Austro-Hungarian Empire had reached its end, he had the family treasure moved from the Hofburg Palace in Vienna to Switzerland. From there, however, all traces of them were lost in 1921, when the sovereign attempted in vain to regain at least the throne of Hungary.
It was even speculated that he had pawned the jewels to finance his venture. In the 1930s, the Habsburgs' staunch opposition to Nazism forced them into exile again : first in France, then in Spain, and finally in Canada, where the treasure found refuge.
By order of the Italian-born former Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma, Charles's wife, the jewels' secret had to remain strictly confidential for at least a hundred years after her husband's death. That is, only in 2022 —when Karl Habsburg learned of them.
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The discovery puts the spotlight back on Sisi , the rebellious princess who continues to inspire tourists and history buffs. Her lost jewels embody the splendor of the Viennese court and the refined taste of an empress who loved elegance but rejected the conventions of her time.
The news has rekindled interest in the figure of Sissi and the places associated with her: Vienna, with the splendid Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace, has once again become a romantic pilgrimage destination for all those who wish to relive the myth of the “sad princess”.
However, Sisi's crown, the most precious and mysterious jewel in the collection, is missing . Nevertheless, the rest of the treasure, authenticated by Christoph Koechert , whose family served the Habsburgs as court jewelers, and documented—some photos have appeared in the New York Times —may soon be displayed in an exhibition, initially in Canada—to thank the country—before a possible return to Europe.
An event that not only celebrates a historic discovery, but also the immortal legend of Sissi, the nonconformist Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the woman whose life was marked by profound sadness and restlessness.
