German police recover items stolen in Dresden jewellery heist

In a daring night-time breach of the state museum thieves stole 21 pieces of jewellery from the collection of Augustus the Strong, a Saxon ruler of the 18th century.

Initially the value of the items stolen was said to be approximately €1 billion ($AUD1.58 billion) however that figure has since been revised to €113 million ($AU178 million). Included in the items stolen was the 49-carat Dresden White Diamond, among other diamonds, pearls and rubies.

The Green Vault was built in 1723 and is believed to be one of the oldest museums in the world.

In January of this year the State Court of Dresden began a trial featuring six suspects aged between 22-28.

The Guardian has reported that “exploratory talks between the defence and the prosecution towards a possible settlement and the return of the stolen items led to a breakthrough, police and prosecutors said, without providing further details.”

Authorities have since escorted the retrieved items from Berlin to Dresden where they will be examined to verify their authenticity.

INSIDE THE VAULT

Some of the world's greatest jewellery are on display in the Green Vault at the Royal Palace in Dresden, eastern Germany. Photo: AFP

Many items were stolen from The White Silver Room in the historic Green Vault at Dresden's Royal Palace in 2019. Photo: AFP

Pictured is the Jewel Room of the Green Vault museum which is open to the public. The thieves targeted three sets of items in their heist. Image: David Brandt, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

Countless valuable historical pieces were stolen and not covered by insurance – some of these may have been recovered. Image: Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

More reading
Historic jewellery stolen from German museum
Arrests made one year after Dresden Castle jewel heist
Germany's Green Vault Museum jewellery heist; six on trial