On October 19 2025, one of the most dramatic jewellery thefts in recent memory took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris when a professionally-executed raid stripped the museum’s Apollo Gallery of eight historic jewels from the French crown collection. The estimated value of the stolen items is €88 million (approximately $102 million), but, as authorities emphasize, the real loss is that of heritage.
The French authorities have opened a criminal investigation for “theft by an organized gang”, and are treating this as an attack on national heritage, rather than just a commercial theft. The Louvre has temporarily closed the Apollo Gallery, and a full audit of security measures has been ordered.
A ripple effect is expected: insurers may review premiums for heritage-grade jewellery; museums and private collections may tighten loan agreements; and manufacturers and exhibitors may raise questions about their own exposure.
How the Heist Unfolded
The robbers struck at around 9:30 a.m., when the museum was open to the public. They are reported to have used a mobile basket lift (a “monte-meubles”, sometimes used for large-scale moving operations) parked adjacent to the Louvre’s façade, scaled the upper level to a balcony in the Apollo Gallery, and accessed the gallery via a window.
Once inside, they smashed two high-security display cases, took the eight pieces, and escaped within seven minutes. Police describe the team as “seasoned professionals”. The escape was via motor-scooters.
Among the stolen items were a tiara, necklace and earrings originally associated with Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and pieces from Empress Eugénie and Marie-Louise. Interestingly, the famous 140.64-carat “Regent Diamond”, mounted in the gallery, remained untouched. The Crown of Empress Eugénie (set with over 1,300 diamonds and 56 emeralds) was dropped during the escape, and recovered damaged.
Security lessons to be learnt
For the Indian and global jewellery industry, this heist offers important wake-up calls around security, risk mitigation, and high-value gemstone trading. Even though this incident took place in a museum rather than a retail outlet, it presents several security lessons for the entire jewellery industry.
The most important lesson is that display/transport/storage protocols must be robust: secure vitrines, intrusion detection methods, a strong chain-of-custody, CCTV coverage, inventory backups are essential. Tracking of bespoke pieces, secure shipping protocols, export licensing, and end-use monitoring have to be given utmost priority. Moreover, many high-jewellery pieces may travel for exhibitions and events – in such cases, another layer of security needs to be added, and the movement closely monitored.
The Louvre heist is a stark reminder that even the world’s most-visited museum is vulnerable, and that high-heritage jewellery sets command not just admiration, but are also a target-risk. The heist is not merely a security breach – it is a wake-up call for the high-jewellery ecosystem. It brings into focus the need to balance heritage, exclusivity and accessibility with security and vigilance. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear – the future of safeguarding high jewellery will never be the same again.