Where Are the Irish Crown Jewels?

Worth many millions, the Crown Jewels of Ireland were stolen in 1907 and have never been found

The Irish Crown Jewels were more in the nature of regalia. There were no crowns or coronets. ireland-information.com.

Encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, the Irish Crown Jewels took the form of a badge, a star, and collars. Their value today is estimated at $4.5 million.

Normally, the precious gems were kept in a safe at a jeweller’s premises. For important occasions, they were kept under lock and key in Dublin Castle, a location deemed impregnable.

However, just as the Titanic was said to be unsinkable until it wasn’t, the impregnable nature of Dublin Castle proved illusory.

A Royal Visit

During the summer of 1907, while the country was still ruled by Britain, Ireland hosted the Irish International Exhibition. This was a huge event that drew 2.5 million visitors during its six-month run.

Among the visitors was Britain’s King Edward VII, his wife, Queen Alexandra, and their daughter Princess Victoria.

The king had scheduled several royal duties and the jewels were to play a part. He was to induct Lord Castleton into the Most Illustrious Order of St. Patrick.

The ceremony required that the monarch wear the crown jewels, which were under the safekeeping…