Gems worth millions stolen from museum's diamond exhibition
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP): The museum exhibition promised to show
visitors how to tell real diamonds from fakes, but the thieves didn't
need any tips.
Museum officials said Monday the robbers knew exactly what to take,
and walked off with millions of dollars worth of gems.
The thieves broke into the Museon, a science museum, Sunday night or
early Monday and stole necklaces, tiaras and precious gems on loan
from other museums around the world and from private collections.
Museum director Bert Molsbergen told Dutch reporters the thieves took
only the most valuable items in the exhibition. Police were still
compiling the list, he said, but the value of the heist was several
million euros (dollars).
The exhibition, which opened Oct. 5, was protected by 24-hour cameras
and sensors, with extra protection for high-value items.
The museum billed the show as a demonstration of the diamond
industry, from rough stone to magnificent jewelry. It offered
glimpses into the mining process, industrial uses and valuations.
Visitors also were offered the chance to have their own diamonds
assessed.
Officials said the exhibition may close because of the theft. It was
due to run until next March.