Paris: French police are continuing their search for thieves who stole priceless jewellery from the Louvre Museum, which reopened on Wednesday after a three-day closure following the heist. The museum’s management has confirmed that the value of the stolen items is estimated at 88 million euros, a figure that excludes their historical and cultural significance.
According to Qatar News Agency, the thieves made off with eight pieces of jewellery, described by officials as priceless from a heritage perspective. A ninth item – the crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III – was reportedly dropped by the thieves during their escape, and later recovered.
Among the eight stolen jewels, all dating back to the 19th century, was a ruby necklace belonging to Queen Marie-Amelie, wife of King Louis-Philippe I, composed of eight rubies and 631 diamonds. The thieves also stole an emerald necklace from a set belonging to Napoleon I’s third wife, Marie-Louise, composed of 32 emeralds and 1,138 diamonds. Empress Eugenie’s tiara, which bears approximately 2,000 diamonds, was also stolen.