Police in Vienna are hunting two men who shattered a glass case at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) and stole a platinum necklace studded with 673 diamonds, valued at over $4 million. The thieves entered the museum during a daylight jewelry exhibition, posing as visitors before using a hammer to break the display.

Investigation underway

CCTV footage captured the suspects before they fled on foot toward a nearby park. Authorities say one of the men may have been carrying a firearm. Austrian police have released images of the suspects and deployed dog units and other resources in an extensive search.

Historic necklace

The missing necklace was on loan from French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels. It was originally created in the 1930s for Egypt’s Queen Nazli and later paired with a tiara for the 1939 wedding of her daughter, Princess Fawzia. After the royal family sold the pieces in the 1970s, the necklace resurfaced at a 2015 Sotheby’s auction, fetching nearly $4.3 million.

Impact and response

MAK director general Lilli Hollein said the theft “hit us hard” and prompted a review of the museum’s security protocols. Metal detectors have now been installed at the exhibition, which remains open through September 27. A blue security panel was added to cover the damaged case.

Broader trend

Europol warns that museum robberies across Europe are becoming more aggressive, with thieves targeting high‑value artifacts made from precious metals and gemstones. Recent incidents include a Louvre heist last October and a Dutch museum robbery earlier this year.

Interpol has added the stolen necklace to its database of stolen artworks, and Austrian authorities are working with international partners to recover the priceless piece.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.