In brief
A daring raid in 1926 stole France’s Grand Condé, a 9‑carat pink diamond, hiding it inside a hollow apple. A brave maid later uncovered it, and after a century the gem is back on display at the Château de Chantilly until January 2027. The museum’s director warns of recent European heists while celebrating the stone’s academic fingerprinting and royal heritage. Pink diamonds are rare and high‑valued, making Grand Condé a smashing headline for treasure lovers.
Ready for a blast of history? The 9‑carat pink diamond that vanished nearly a century ago is back on display in France.
The gem, part of the royal collection, was stolen in an overnight raid on the Château de Chantilly in October 1926. The thieves hid it in a hollowed‑out apple—only to have a hungry maid bite it and expose the treasure.
Now, visitors can see the glowing stone again until 3 January 2027. Museum director Mathieu Deldicque calls the exhibition a nod to history but warns it could tease thieves amid recent European museum heists.
- The Grand Condé survived the French Revolution, unlike many royal gems.
- Pink diamonds are extremely rare, fetching up to $71.2 million at auction.
- Scientists used micro‑analysis to make the diamond uniquely identifiable.
It’s a perfect blend of mystery, glamour and detective work—ideal for anyone who loves a good treasure story.
