Paris, Oct 22 (AP) – A daring heist at the Louvre in Paris left the nation in shock as jewels once belonging to France's royals were stolen in broad daylight. Among the stolen items were an emerald necklace, earrings, two crowns, two brooches, a sapphire necklace, and a single earring. These pieces, renowned for their historical and cultural significance, have been appraised at an estimated $102 million, a sum that does not account for their historical value.
The Louvre, which reopened Wednesday following the theft but kept the Apollo Gallery sealed off, was the scene of this meticulously executed four-minute crime. Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor leading the investigation, confirmed that approximately 100 investigators are working to track down the culprits and recover the priceless gems.
This incident has intensified scrutiny on the Louvre, which has faced criticism over security issues, overcrowding, and outdated facilities. Other recent disruptions included a protest involving soup thrown at the Mona Lisa and a staff strike protesting high tourist numbers. Following these incidents, President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to renovate the museum, including giving the Mona Lisa its own dedicated space.
Experts fear the jewels are being disassembled and sold separately, potentially erasing their historical significance. Tobias Kormind of 77 Diamonds speculates that if these gems are fragmented, they could vanish from history.
The theft has resonated deeply with the French public, seen as a blow to national pride. Conservative lawmaker Maxime Michelet described the theft as a "wounding blow" to France's historical heritage. The crown jewels, symbols of France’s historical grandeur dating as far back as the 16th century, are guarded in renowned museums worldwide for their cultural and national identity.
The armed robbery was carried out by four suspects utilizing a truck with a cherry picker and motorbikes for a swift getaway. Despite the high-value theft, the robbers left behind a ninth damaged crown, adorned with thousands of diamonds and pearls, belonging to Empress Eugenie.
The French authorities are now in a race to recover the jewels before they can be sold off or dismantled. Dutch art detective Arthur Brand noted the difficulty the perpetrators will face finding buyers for such famous items due to the potential legal repercussions.
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