Are there any famous jewelry heists or stolen gemstone stories

Yes, there have been several famous jewelry heists and stolen gemstone stories throughout history.

Here are a few notable examples:

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist (1990):

One of the most infamous art and jewelry heists in history occurred at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves dressed as police officers entered the museum and stole 13 pieces of art, including several valuable pieces of jewelry. The stolen items, including a Vermeer painting and a Rembrandt, were never recovered, and the case remains unsolved.

The Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company Heist (2015):

In April 2015, a group of elderly thieves conducted a meticulously planned heist on the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company in London's diamond district over the Easter weekend. The thieves, dubbed the "Bad Grandpas," drilled into the vault wall and stole millions of pounds worth of cash, jewelry, and other valuables. The heist became one of the largest in British history.

The Dresden Green Diamond (2019):

In 2019, thieves stole the famous Dresden Green Diamond, a 41-carat green diamond, from the Green Vault museum in Dresden, Germany. The thieves broke into the museum and stole several sets of jewelry, including the valuable green diamond. While some of the stolen items were later recovered, the Dresden Green Diamond remains missing.

The Antwerp Diamond Heist (2003):

In 2003, a group of Italian thieves led by Leonardo Notarbartolo carried out an audacious heist in the Antwerp Diamond Center, the heart of the world's diamond trade. The thieves spent months planning the heist, bypassing multiple layers of security, and making off with an estimated $100 million worth of diamonds, gold, and other gems. Notarbartolo was eventually caught and sentenced, but the majority of the stolen diamonds were never recovered.

The Carlton Intercontinental Hotel Heist (2013):

In July 2013, a lone gunman stole an estimated $136 million worth of jewelry from the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, France, during the city's annual film festival. The thief escaped on foot, and the stolen jewelry, including watches, necklaces, and other high-end pieces, was never fully recovered.

These infamous heists and stolen gemstone stories have captured the public's imagination and often remain unsolved mysteries, adding an air of intrigue to the world of high-stakes theft and art crime.