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
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
