The 5 Most Valuable Jewels Stolen in the Louvre Heist

1. Emerald and Diamond Necklace Gifted by Napoleon I

A lavish necklace featuring a large Colombian emerald and dozens of diamonds, gifted by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise. Its historical significance and elaborate design make it one of the rarest imperial jewels in existence.

2. Diamond Diadem of Empress Eugénie

This dazzling diamond diadem once belonged to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Set with nearly 2,000 diamonds, it represents both regal artistry and extraordinary gemological value.

3. The reliquary brooch

Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was the original owner of this diamond-encrusted brooch, which was crafted by Paul-Alfred Bapst in 1855 specially for her, according to the Louvre’s website.

4. Emerald Drop Earrings of Marie-Louise

Colombian emerald and diamond drop earrings owned by Empress Marie-Louise, representing both luxury and connection to France’s Napoleonic legacy.

5. Earring, from a pair of the parure of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense

The parure originally comprised a tiara, a necklace, a pair of earrings, two small brooches and one large one (OA 11030 to OA 11036), a comb, and two bracelets (not in the Louvre's collections). All these jewels are adorned with Ceylon sapphires in their natural state, that is, unheated to change their color as is done today in jewelry making. The sapphires are surrounded by diamonds set in gold mounts.

Heist Details

The theft was executed in under four minutes. Thieves escaped with the jewels after accessing the Galerie d'Apollon using a mechanical ladder. The total estimated value of the loot is $102 million, with INTERPOL now listing all missing items in its Stolen Works of Art database.

Historical Impact

These jewels are irreplaceable cultural treasures tied to France’s most famous royal figures. Recovery efforts continue at both national and international levels as the world watches for developments in this headline-making theft.