CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist
Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
The Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France, remains closed after thieves broke in and stole 27 pieces of jewelry worth about $5 million from the museum’s collection last month. None of the jewelry has been recovered. (Photo credit: D. Desaleux - Musée Lalique)
Wingen-sur-Moder, France—France’s Musée Lalique, a museum that pays homage to Art Nouveau designer René Lalique, will be closed for at least another month as it looks to raise money to recover from last month’s burglary.
In an update shared Wednesday, museum officials said France’s gendarmerie is continuing to investigate the break-in while museum staff works to shore up security in preparation for a “smooth” reopening.
“Unfortunately, this will not take place in August,” Museum Director Véronique Brumm Schaich said in a statement.
“We have already been working closely with the gendarmerie, experts appointed by the insurers, and several specialist firms to identify and implement the necessary security measures. The next step will be a visit from the Interministerial Mission for Safety, Security, and Accessibility, whose recommendations are essential before any reopening can take place. At this stage, it is therefore not yet possible to announce a date for the museum to reopen to the public.”
On Tuesday, the museum launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover the “exceptional” costs of reopening, noting the outpouring of support it has received online in the wake of the break-in.
Schaich said local authorities and the government have been supporting the museum, and it expects to receive additional funding from the Ministry of Culture.
The fundraising campaign is a way for members of the public to “demonstrate their commitment” to the museum and contribute to the collective effort to get it back up and running, she said.
Related stories will be right here …
In an update shared Wednesday, museum officials said France’s gendarmerie is continuing to investigate the break-in while museum staff works to shore up security in preparation for a “smooth” reopening.
“Unfortunately, this will not take place in August,” Museum Director Véronique Brumm Schaich said in a statement.
“We have already been working closely with the gendarmerie, experts appointed by the insurers, and several specialist firms to identify and implement the necessary security measures. The next step will be a visit from the Interministerial Mission for Safety, Security, and Accessibility, whose recommendations are essential before any reopening can take place. At this stage, it is therefore not yet possible to announce a date for the museum to reopen to the public.”
On Tuesday, the museum launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover the “exceptional” costs of reopening, noting the outpouring of support it has received online in the wake of the break-in.
Schaich said local authorities and the government have been supporting the museum, and it expects to receive additional funding from the Ministry of Culture.
The fundraising campaign is a way for members of the public to “demonstrate their commitment” to the museum and contribute to the collective effort to get it back up and running, she said.
The Musée Lalique burglary took place in the early morning hours of July 5.
The museum said several individuals forced their way inside and smashed jewelry display cases, stealing 27 pieces designed by Lalique and worth an estimated €4.5 million, or about $5.1 million.
Chief among them was Lalique’s “Femme-libellule ailes ouvertes,” or “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings,” pendant designed and crafted between 1898 and 1900.
The museum said the gold, diamond, and enamel pendant was the first piece acquired when the idea of opening a museum dedicated to Lalique was proposed.
“The team therefore was particularly attached to it and hopes that it can one day be found,” the museum stated in an Instagram post last month.
“It was notably the central figure in one of our visits for very young children.”
The Musée Lalique opened in 2011 in Wingen-sur-Moder, the town that is also home to the Lalique SA glass factory, the only factory in the world making products under the Lalique brand.
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
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.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
