The Stunning Heist of the Star of India
The Star of India Jewel
The Star of India, a remarkable 563-carat star sapphire, is one of the most famous gemstones in the world. Renowned for its deep blue hue and remarkable clarity, it is a prime exhibit in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. On October 29, 1964, this dazzling gem became the centerpiece of a shocking heist that reverberated through the city.
Details of the Heist
Earlier that fateful evening, a group of thieves managed to enter the museum after hours by climbing through a window. They accessed the museum's mineral hall, where the Star of India was housed along with other priceless jewels including the Imperial Iriquois diamond and a stunning collection of rare gemstones. The thieves quickly snatched the jewels and executed their plan with surprising efficiency, leaving behind very few clues.
Impact and Investigation
The Police Response
The New York Police Department launched a massive manhunt to recover the stolen gems. Detectives scoured through hundreds of leads, seeking out any hints that could point them in the direction of the culprits. The theft captured the attention of the public and the media
Recovery of the Jewels
Despite the extensive investigation, the stolen jewels—including the Star of India—remained missing for over a year. However, in a twist of fate, most of the gems were recovered in the spring of 1965 after a tip-off led police to an apartment in the Bronx. While the criminals were still at large, the recovery brought relief to both the museum officials and the public.
Fun Fact
Behind the Mystery of the Star of India
Interestingly, the Star of India has a history of theft. Before the 1964 heist, it was stolen in 1900 by a notorious burglar named Giacomo “Jake” Lanza but was later recovered. This jewel seems to have been a magnet for thieves!
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Star of India
For those interested in learning more about the Star of India, I recommend the book The Great Jewel Heist: A True Story of Thieves, Treasures, and Irresistible Deception which dives into the details of this remarkable jewel and the captivating events surrounding its history.
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