Lost Florentine Diamond sparks Habsburg legal battle in new palace exhibition

A new exhibition at Gödöllő Palace is showcasing the deep ties between the Habsburg dynasty and the Köchert jewellery family. The display features historic pieces alongside modern collaborations with artists like Erwin Wurm and Xenia Hausner. At its heart lies the Florentine Diamond—a gem lost for a century and now caught in a legal battle with Austria.

The Köchert family served as official jewellers to the Habsburg court from 1849, crafting some of the monarchy's most famous pieces. Their legacy now extends into contemporary art, with the exhibition blending imperial history and modern creativity.

Tracking down the scattered works proved difficult. Many items had to be loaned from collections worldwide, adding complexity to the project. Among them is the Florentine Diamond, rediscovered in Canada after decades out of sight. Christoph Köchert, a key figure in the exhibition, initially knew little about the diamond before his first trip to assess it. A second visit was needed just to confirm its weight. The Habsburg family had asked him to evaluate pieces from their private collection, including the controversial gem. Ownership of the Florentine Diamond is now in dispute. In March 2026, Austria launched legal proceedings in Vienna's Commercial Court, questioning its inheritance by Otto von Habsburg in 1963. The case stems from a 1921 confiscation under the Habsburg Law. No decision has been made on returning the diamond or staging a joint exhibition. Köchert argues that Austria should at least allow its public display rather than leaving it in Canada.

The exhibition highlights both artistic heritage and unresolved legal questions. The Florentine Diamond remains central to the debate, with its future still undecided. For now, the Köchert-Habsburg connection continues to draw attention, blending history with present-day controversy.