- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a daring daylight heist, thieves stole historic jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, prompting widespread concern over museum security. French authorities confirmed that eight high-profile pieces from the Crown Jewels collection were taken, while a ninth, Empress Eugénie’s diamond-studded crown, was recovered outside the museum but found broken.
Stolen Items
According to the French Culture Ministry and SKY News, the stolen items include:
Tiara from the set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense
Necklace from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense
Earring from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense
Emerald necklace from Empress Marie-Louise set
Pair of emerald earrings from Empress Marie-Louise set
Tiara of Empress Eugenie
The ninth item, Empress Eugenie’s crown containing over 1,300 diamonds, was found broken outside the museum.
Swift And Professional Operation
Authorities reported that the thieves used a basket lift to reach the Seine-facing façade of the museum. They forced a window in the Apollon Gallery and smashed display cases containing the Crown Jewels, including the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia. The thieves escaped on motorbikes in a professional, quick operation, with no injuries reported.
The heist, occurring just 250 meters from the Mona Lisa, highlighted gaps in museum security. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, examining the basket lift, and interviewing staff to determine whether the robbers had inside assistance. The stolen jewels are estimated to be worth over USD 100 million.
The thieves reportedly used an extendable ladder, commonly employed by moving companies in Paris, to access the Apollo Gallery and cut through the display cases, taking valuable pieces, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace given by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise and a diadem once owned by Empress Eugénie.