In a daring Sunday heist, thieves made off with eight priceless pieces of jewelry from the Louvre Museum in Paris, items that officials have described as having an “incalculable” value.
The target was the Louvre’s esteemed Apollo Gallery, a magnificent hall dedicated to France’s historic collection of crown jewels.
The audacious criminals even attempted to snatch the magnificent crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Adorned with eight gold eagles, 1,354 diamonds, 1,136 rose-cut diamonds, and 56 emeralds, this regal piece was ultimately left behind when museum guards foiled their full escape.
Here’s a closer look at the precious items that were successfully stolen:
The Dazzling Tiara of Empress Eugénie
Among the Empress’s treasures on display was this particular tiara, adorned with 212 pearls, 1,998 diamonds, and 992 rose-cut diamonds.
Empress Eugénie’s Elaborate Decorative Bow
The Empress also possessed this dazzling decorative bow, complete with jeweled tassels. While intended as a belt centerpiece, no images of the complete item exist. The bow itself boasts an impressive 2,438 diamonds and 196 rose-cut diamonds.
The Intricate Brooch of Empress Eugénie
This exquisite diamond brooch from 1855, another of the Empress’s belongings housed in the Louvre, is surprisingly known as a “reliquary brooch,” despite having no space for a holy relic.
The Royal Sapphire Set: Tiara, Necklace, and Earring
A magnificent set of sapphire jewelry, dating back to the early 19th century, was also among the stolen pieces. Its origins remain a mystery, but it was famously worn by figures such as Queen Hortense, wife of Louis Bonaparte, and Queen Marie-Amélie, wife of Louis Philippe I.
This collection includes a breathtaking tiara adorned with 24 Ceylon sapphires and 1,083 diamonds. The accompanying necklace features eight sapphires elegantly set in gold and encircled by diamonds. Notably, only one of the original pair of sapphire earrings was stolen during the heist, as confirmed by the French culture ministry.
Originally, the complete set comprised three brooches, a comb, and two bracelets, serving as a “precious testimony to Parisian jewelry,” according to the Louvre.
Fragments of Napoleon’s Emerald Wedding Gift
This striking emerald and diamond necklace became part of the Louvre’s collection relatively recently, in 2004. It was a personal gift from Napoleon to his second wife, Marie Louise, commemorating their marriage in 1810.
The necklace itself is a marvel, featuring 32 emeralds – both pearl and lozenge-shaped – alongside 1,138 brilliant diamonds.
Historical records indicate that Napoleon commissioned two lavish jewelry sets to celebrate his marriage, with another set featuring opals and diamonds.
Also belonging to this exquisite collection was a pair of emerald and diamond earrings, which were sadly also taken during the theft.