World
Diamond Necklace of Egyptian Royalty Stolen from Vienna Museum
A historic diamond necklace, valued at approximately €4 million, was stolen from the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna during daylight hours.
On August 27, 2026, a diamond necklace linked to the Egyptian royal family was stolen from the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna. The necklace, which was on loan to the museum, is notable for being crafted from platinum and encrusted with 673 diamonds, totaling over 200 carats, according to reports from several sources.
During the theft, two men entered the museum without masks, paying for their tickets before carrying out the crime. Surveillance footage has captured images of the suspects, and Austrian police are currently searching for them. The incident occurred in the busy museum during opening hours, raising concerns about security.
The necklace was originally owned by Queen Nazli of Egypt and is considered a historic piece due to its artistic and cultural significance. It was created in the Art Deco style by the Parisian jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels in 1939. Reports indicate that the jewel was displayed in a glass case before being stolen during the brazen daytime theft.
Following the incident, police confirmed that the suspects were seen on security cameras, and authorities have begun a manhunt to locate them quickly. The crime is being linked to a larger pattern of similar smash-and-grab thefts in recent months, heightening awareness about museum security.
The value of the necklace has been estimated at approximately €4 million, or around 24 million Brazilian Reais, underscoring the importance of the piece not only as a historical artifact but also as a significant monetary asset.
The museum continues to cooperate with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. Efforts are being made to ascertain further details about the suspects and their escape. As of now, authorities have not released any additional information about potential leads or further security measures being considered.