Iconic Gemstone Thefts in History

Gemstones have enticed millions with their beauty and allure, making gemstone thefts exceedingly common throughout the centuries. More than money, gemstones have attracted thieves primarily for their charm and monetary benefits. From sapphire stone to diamonds, there is no limit to what people steal. Let's walk through some of the iconic thefts that took place in history.   

The Great Diamond Heist of Antwerp (2003)

One of the most famous and talked-about gemstone thefts in history is the Great Diamond Heist of Antwerp. This was the most significant jewelry theft. It was evaluated that  around $100 million were stolen in the form of diamonds, gold, and other jewelry.   

The robbery was executed on February 15-16, 2003, and the thieves managed to escape the tight security system of Antwerp Diamond Center. Much jewelry has not been recovered to date. 

Also Read: 10 Gemstones That Stole the Spotlight in Hollywood Blockbusters

The Star of India Sapphire Theft (1964)

The Star of India Sapphire was a relatively easy target at the time. Stolen on October 29, 1964, this beautiful star blue sapphire weighed 563.35 carats. It is the largest sapphire on Earth that features a bright blue color with an asterism pattern on both sides.    

This jewelry theft was carried out in an unusual way using glass cutters, and a dead alarm battery made the heist easier to execute. Along with the largest star sapphire stolen from the American Museum of Natural History, the De Long Star Ruby stone was also stolen. 

The Millennium Dome Raid (2000)

Imagine they went to execute a robbery and it failed? This attempted robbery was executed on November 7, 2000, at the Millennium Dome in London. These gemstone thieves aimed to steal £350 million worth of De Beers diamonds. It also included the second-largest pear-shaped flawless diamond weighing 203.04 carats. However, the robbery plan failed, and all the gemstones were recovered.   

The Theft of the Dresden Green Diamond (2019)

The robbery took place in Dresden’s Royal Palace on 25 November 2019. Thieves broke through a barred window, stealing the royal jewelry consisting of 4,300 diamonds. Though the priceless gemstones were recovered and are now back on display, this jewelry theft was most recognized at the time. One can say that jewelry and gemstones are highly targeted because of their immense monetary value.   

The French Crown Jewels Heist (1792)

Gemstones in theft are not only for their immense monetary value, but they are also targeted for their political power. One such great example in history is the French Crown Jewels Heist that took place on September 17, 1792.   

This was a massive jewelry theft as over 10,000 precious gemstones were stolen, including a Blue diamond. The robbery occurred during the French Revolution, a period marked by the loss of power by the king and queen and societal chaos. This theft was a severe blow as it was counted amongst the national treasures. Read our blog: Gemstones in Royal Families Worldwide

The Graff Diamonds Heist (2009)

A robbery that looked more like a movie scene, the Graff Diamonds Heist is one of the most iconic gemstone thefts. The robbers used professional makeup to hide their identity and posed as customers. Nearly $65 million worth of jewels were stolen. None of the gemstone jewelry was recovered, and the mastermind was never caught. 

The Brinks Mat Robbery (1983)

The most significant gold theft in history occurred in 1983 near Heathrow Airport in London. Three tons of gold, diamonds, and cash worth £26 million were amongst the stolen goods. 

Why Gemstones Are Irresistible Targets

High value in small size – A tiny diamond can be worth millions, making it easy to carry but very valuable.

Easy to hide and move – Gemstones can be slipped into a pocket or smuggled without drawing much attention.

Hard to trace – Once a gem is cut or reset in new jewelry, it’s almost impossible to prove where it came from.

Always in demand – Rich collectors, jewelers, and black markets are ready to buy rare stones.

Also Read: Why Gemstone Jewelry Might Outshine Your Rolex - Status or Soul?

Cultural and historic worth – Famous gems are symbols of power and status, making them even more tempting.

From royal treasures to luxury diamonds, these heists prove why gemstones remain irresistible targets. They are priceless and have high investment potential.