CrimeOct 20, 2025
See the ‘Priceless’ Jewels Stolen During Daytime Heist at the Louvre CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée Lalique
Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
French authorities are investigating the July 5 burglary of Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, a town in northeastern France. (Image courtesy of Musée Lalique’s Facebook page)
Wingen-sur-Moder, France—Masked thieves stole millions of euros worth of jewelry from Musée Lalique in France over the weekend, less than a year after the robbery at the Louvre.
The museum, which honors French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique, was the target of a break-in in the early hours of July 5, the museum said in a statement shared to Instagram.
A group of masked thieves entered the museum around 5:30 a.m., forcing a door open and heading to the jewelry room, a source close to the investigation told Agence France-Presse, as reported in Le Monde.
Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen, the source said, with the loss close to €4 million ($4.5 million).
Another source told AFP the stolen jewelry was crystal and not set with precious gems, and so the pieces cannot be melted down.
The jewelry was stolen “in a very short space of time,” the museum said, which triggered its various security systems. French authorities headed to the scene and reviewed the CCTV footage.
The investigation is ongoing.
Lalique (1860-1945) was a renowned artist and jeweler who made his mark on the Art Nouveau and then Art Deco movements, an especially impressive feat considering the two styles are “diametrically opposed,” noted the museum.
Lalique was inspired by the 3 Fs, it said: flora, fauna, and the female form.
The museum, which honors French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique, was the target of a break-in in the early hours of July 5, the museum said in a statement shared to Instagram.
A group of masked thieves entered the museum around 5:30 a.m., forcing a door open and heading to the jewelry room, a source close to the investigation told Agence France-Presse, as reported in Le Monde.
Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen, the source said, with the loss close to €4 million ($4.5 million).
Another source told AFP the stolen jewelry was crystal and not set with precious gems, and so the pieces cannot be melted down.
The jewelry was stolen “in a very short space of time,” the museum said, which triggered its various security systems. French authorities headed to the scene and reviewed the CCTV footage.
The investigation is ongoing.
Lalique (1860-1945) was a renowned artist and jeweler who made his mark on the Art Nouveau and then Art Deco movements, an especially impressive feat considering the two styles are “diametrically opposed,” noted the museum.
Lalique was inspired by the 3 Fs, it said: flora, fauna, and the female form.
“Drawing inspiration from nature and daring enough to use the female body as an ornamental element, René Lalique brought unexpected renewal to the world of jewelry.”
In a style popular now but uncommon at the time, he combined precious metals and gemstones with alternative materials like glass, horn, ivory, and enamel.
“In his eyes, it was better to strive for something beautiful than for an outward display of luxury,” the museum said. “The feel took precedence over the material.”
Lalique was also a talented glassmaker, first experimenting with the material in the 1890s.
He would engrave and set the glass as if it was a gemstone. Compared with a gemstone, glass is easier to design and manufacture to fit the needs of a project, the museum noted.
He also created vases, sculptures, and small artifacts out of glass.
Musée Lalique, which opened in July 2011, houses around 650 works that follow the career of Lalique and his successors, including jewelry, crystal, glass, perfume bottles, and drawings.
The museum did not specify what was taken, but said its team identified all the missing items and shared their descriptions with authorities.
Musée Lalique did not respond to a request for more information as of press time.
“The museum will remain closed over the coming days in order to prepare for a smooth and safe reopening for its staff and visitors,” it said.
“The Lalique Museum team would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism.”
On Monday, the museum shared an image of a green “Scarab and Lotus” ring created by Lalique around 1897–1898 to its Facebook page.
“Following the terrible burglary the museum suffered, it is impossible to carry on as if nothing had happened,” it stated in the post.
“But we want to look ahead, which is why this week’s theme is green, the color of hope.”
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
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.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
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.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
