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
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
