CrimeAug 16, 2024
Jewels Stolen During Green Vault Heist Back on DisplayCrimeOct 20, 2025
See the ‘Priceless’ Jewels Stolen During Daytime Heist at the Louvre
It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.
Empress Eugénie’s pearl and diamond tiara was one of eight crown jewels stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday. As of press time, police in France were still searching for the perpetrators and the jewels. (© 2015 RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre), Stéphane Maréchalle)
Paris—Police in France continue to investigate a crime that has shook the country to its core—the theft of more than a half-dozen crown jewels from the famous Louvre Museum carried out in broad daylight.
Described as “rapid and brutal” in an official statement from France’s Ministry of Culture, the heist, which reportedly took less than 10 minutes, happened Sunday around 9:30 a.m. Paris time.
The thieves used a monte-meubles (a truck with a hydraulic lift most often used to move furniture) parked outside to hoist themselves to the second floor, they then used power tools to cut through a window and climb into the Apollo Gallery.
The gallery houses the Royal Collection of Gems and the Crown Diamonds.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the masked thieves went after two “high-security” display cases and made off with a total of eight jewels described as “priceless heritage objects.”
Described as “rapid and brutal” in an official statement from France’s Ministry of Culture, the heist, which reportedly took less than 10 minutes, happened Sunday around 9:30 a.m. Paris time.
The thieves used a monte-meubles (a truck with a hydraulic lift most often used to move furniture) parked outside to hoist themselves to the second floor, they then used power tools to cut through a window and climb into the Apollo Gallery.
The gallery houses the Royal Collection of Gems and the Crown Diamonds.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the masked thieves went after two “high-security” display cases and made off with a total of eight jewels described as “priceless heritage objects.”
The thieves stole pieces from a suite of sapphire and diamond jewelry worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, including (from left to the right), a tiara, a necklace, and one of the earrings in this pair. (Photo courtesy of Musée du Louvre, Photo credit: Mathieu Rabeau)
Marie-Louise’s emerald necklace and matching earrings were stolen in the heist. (© RMN - Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre), Jean-Gilles Berizzi)
The robbers also stole a large bow-shaped brooch as well as a reliquary brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie, both set with diamonds. Reliquary brooches typically are set with religious relics, though it is unclear if this brooch ever contained one. (Photo courtesy of Musée du Louvre, Photo credit: Stéphane Maréchalle)
They are:
— A tiara worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense;
— A necklace from a set of sapphire jewelry worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense;
— One earring in a pair from Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense’s sapphire suite;
— An emerald necklace worn by Marie-Louise, who was Napoleon I’s second wife;
— A pair of emerald earrings worn by Marie-Louise;
— A reliquary brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, known as Louis Napoleon Bonaparte;
— Empress Eugénie’s tiara; and
— A large bow-shaped brooch worn by Empress Eugénie.
As they were running out, the perpetrators left behind their equipment and one jewel—Empress Eugénie’s crown—before fleeing on motorbikes.
Empress Eugenie’s gold, diamond, and emerald crown was snatched from its display case but then left behind by the robbers as they fled the Louvre on Sunday. France’s Ministry of Culture said it is currently assessing the crown’s condition. (Photo ©RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre), Stéphane Maréchalle)
The ministry said the thieves triggered the alarms on the gallery’s exterior windows and on the two display cases, prompting the five museum officers who were present to do what they were trained to do—call police and evacuate visitors from the area.
There were no injuries to either staff or the public.
The ministry said one of the burglars tried to set the truck used in the break-in on fire, but a Louvre security officer stopped them, and the perpetrator fled along with the others.
France’s Brigade for the Suppression of Banditry is handling the investigation into the heist.
There were no updates in the case as of press time Monday.
“The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted Sunday on X.
“We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Everything is being done, everywhere, to achieve this, under the leadership of the Paris prosecutor’s office.”
In her office’s statement, France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati pointed out that the “Louvre - Nouvelle Renaissance,” the renovation and modernization project for the museum that Macron announced in January, includes a new master security plan.
It calls for the installation of new-generation cameras, perimeter detection, and new security headquarters for the Louvre, arguably the most famous museum in the world.
The museum remained closed on Monday and visitors who had tickets will be refunded, according to a message shared to Stories on the Louvre’s official Instagram account.
The Louvre will remain closed on Tuesday, the one day of the week it is not open.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
