Rare pink diamond goes on display in France 100 years after amateur heist
A rare nine-carat pink diamond known as the 'Grand Condé' is being exhibited in France for the first time in nearly a century. The gem has a storied history, including a famous 1926 theft where it was hidden inside an apple.
Why it matters
The exhibition highlights the intersection of historical preservation and the high-stakes security challenges facing modern cultural institutions.
Image source, L’École des Arts Joailliers, Benjamin Chelly Image caption, The nine-carat, pear-shaped gemstone was one of few royal jewels to survive the French Revolution
A rare pink diamond is going on display in France for the first time since it was stolen almost 100 years ago to the day - the last time it was shown to the public.
The nine-carat, pear-shaped gemstone known as the "Grand Condé" was pilfered in an overnight raid on the Château de Chantilly in October 1926 and concealed in a hollowed-out apple.
The diamond - one of few royal jewels to survive the French Revolution - was recovered a few weeks later when a hungry maid at the hotel in which the thieves were staying took a bite of the apple.
It will once again be on display in the Condé Museum at the Château de Chantilly until 3 January.
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