- Joined
- May 1, 2008
- Messages
- 3,563
We may never see them again - but it seems proper on Thanksgiving day to have hope that some diamond professional, collector or enthusiast will encounter them.
In researching the background I discovered one of my ancestors (Jean Jacques Pallard) was among the court jewelers who created these pieces.
This all happened on Monday. For those interested, the story, theft-video, full-size photos and background of the pieces can be found here -
Dresden Green Vault heist story, CCTV video & photos
Some officials cite their value at 1B Euros (1.1B USD). But I'm not sure that means much. "Value" is relative. In terms of history and symbolism these items are priceless. To robbers smashing a glass case with an axe...who knows? It's unlikely they'll try to fence these heirloom pieces as-is. It's more likely they will disassemble them, fence the thousands of diamonds separately and get melt-value for the mountings.
I realize it's unlikely - but if anyone encounters these pieces please be aware of their origin and do the right thing.



In researching the background I discovered one of my ancestors (Jean Jacques Pallard) was among the court jewelers who created these pieces.
This all happened on Monday. For those interested, the story, theft-video, full-size photos and background of the pieces can be found here -
Dresden Green Vault heist story, CCTV video & photos
Some officials cite their value at 1B Euros (1.1B USD). But I'm not sure that means much. "Value" is relative. In terms of history and symbolism these items are priceless. To robbers smashing a glass case with an axe...who knows? It's unlikely they'll try to fence these heirloom pieces as-is. It's more likely they will disassemble them, fence the thousands of diamonds separately and get melt-value for the mountings.
I realize it's unlikely - but if anyone encounters these pieces please be aware of their origin and do the right thing.


