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.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
