The End of a Royal Pursuit: Court Upholds State Ownership

In a landmark decision, the Court of Rome has dismissed the appeal filed by the Savoy family, effectively ending their three-year legal battle to reclaim the Italian crown jewels.For 79 years, these historical artifacts have been secured within the vaults of the Bank of Italy. The court’s ruling affirms that the jewels are not considered personal property and will remain under state control.

A Legacy Forged in Transition: From Monarchy to Republic

The saga of the crown jewels began on June 5, 1946, a mere three days after the referendum that marked Italy’s transition from a monarchy to a republic.Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi requested King Umberto II to relinquish the jewels, which were then housed in a safe at the quirinale Palace, the royal family’s official residence at the time.

This request was rooted in the understanding that, according to the Albertine Statute, the constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, the jewels were “supplied” to the monarchs to fulfill their official duties, rather than being their private possessions.

…the jewels had in fact been given “supplied” to the kings for the fulfillment of their functions, were not a personal property.
Albertine Statute

Falcone Lucifer, the Minister of the Royal House, oversaw the transfer of the jewels to Luigi Einaudi, then the governor of the Bank of Italy and later President of the Republic. Since then, the jewels have been stored in a sealed box at the Bank of Italy’s headquarters in Rome, their security ensured by eleven seals, broken only once in 1976 for cataloging purposes.

The Treasure Within: A Glimpse at the Jewels’ Estimated Value

The inventory conducted in 1976 revealed a stunning collection of 6,732 diamonds and 2,000 pearls of varying sizes, totaling nearly 2,000 carats.An expert appraisal by Bulgari estimated the jewels’ worth at approximately 2 billion lire at the time,equivalent to about 10 million euros today. However, current estimates suggest that, if auctioned, the collection could fetch up to 300 million euros, reflecting the increasing value of historical artifacts and precious gems in the global market. For context, the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a 33.19-carat diamond, sold for over $8.8 million in 2011, highlighting the potential value of such historical pieces.

Confiscation and Contention: A Legal Battle Unfolds

Following the establishment of the Republic, the Italian state confiscated the royal family’s assets, as mandated by the thirteenth provision of the Italian Constitution. while real estate was instantly seized, the confiscation of the crown jewels was never formally executed.

In 2021, the Savoy family formally requested the return of the jewels, a request that was denied by the Bank of Italy. This denial led to the commencement of a civil case in 2022, with the Savoy family arguing that the jewels were either purchased by the royal family or received as gifts. the court rejected the family’s attempt to raise constitutional questions that could have led to referrals to the constitutional Court or the European Court of Justice.

Looking Ahead: the Crown Jewels’ Future

With the court’s decision,the Italian crown jewels remain a symbol of the nation’s history,securely held by the state. The ruling underscores the principle that these treasures were entrusted to the monarchy for the benefit of the nation, not as personal possessions. The future of the jewels,whether they will be displayed in a museum or remain in the Bank of Italy’s vault,is yet to be determined,but their status as a national heritage is now firmly established.