Louvre Jewelry Heist: Complete List of Stolen Treasures

On October 19, 2025, masked thieves raided the Louvre Museum in Paris and, in under seven minutes, stole a collection of imperial jewels valued at more than $100 million. These jewels, once worn by French emperors and empresses, were part of the museum’s historic holdings. Below is a clear, SEO-friendly overview of the important pieces that were taken during the robbery and the one item that was later recovered.

The Reliquary Brooch – Missing

The Reliquary Brooch, made for Empress Eugénie during the Second Empire, featured a central butterfly formed from diamonds and was a highlight of the Louvre’s imperial jewelry collection. Officials have confirmed the brooch is missing but have not released full details on the exact number or provenance of the stones. Considered one of Europe’s most sought-after lost jewels, its disappearance represents a significant cultural loss.

Marie-Louise’s Emerald Necklace – Missing

The emerald necklace that once belonged to Empress Marie-Louise of Austria was among the most important pieces in the Louvre’s imperial collection. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte as a gift, the necklace combined striking rectangular emeralds with diamond surrounds. Acquired by the museum in 2004, the necklace was confirmed missing after the October 2025 theft and has not been recovered.

Marie-Louise’s Emerald Earrings – Missing

The matching emerald and diamond earrings from Empress Marie-Louise’s set were taken along with the necklace. Each earring featured a vivid emerald framed by white diamonds and formed part of one of the last complete imperial sets from the Napoleonic era. Their loss marked the end of a nearly two-century-old intact ensemble.

Eugénie’s Corsage Bow – Missing

The large diamond bow brooch, or corsage bow, once worn by Empress Eugénie was celebrated as a masterpiece of 19th-century French jewelry. Displayed as part of the Louvre’s Second Empire collection, it was frequently seen in portraits and at state events, symbolizing the lavish style and prominence of the imperial court. The brooch was reported missing after the heist.

Sapphire Diadem of Queens Marie-Amélie And Hortense – Missing

A sapphire-and-diamond diadem linked to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense was stolen during the Louvre robbery. The tiara, part of the Galerie d’Apollon’s royal sapphire set, exemplified early 19th-century Parisian craftsmanship and historic court elegance. Its theft removed another irreplaceable example of royal decorative arts.

Sapphire Necklace of Queen Hortense – Missing

The sapphire and diamond necklace attributed to Queen Hortense, Napoleon’s stepdaughter and former Queen of Holland, was also taken. This necklace belonged to the same suite as the sapphire diadem and was admired for its refined design and historical significance. The set’s disappearance represents a major cultural and artistic loss.

The Diamond Bow Brooch – Missing

Another notable diamond bow brooch, also associated with Empress Eugénie, was among the stolen items. Originally part of a belt created for the 1855 Exposition Universelle and later worn by the Empress, the brooch was celebrated for its detailed diamond work and its link to the Second Empire’s court fashion. It has not been recovered.

Eugénie’s Tiara – Missing

The tiara worn by Empress Eugénie, crafted in the 1850s and once displayed in the Galerie d’Apollon, was taken in the theft. Known for its intricate diamond design and its association with imperial pageantry, the tiara’s loss deepens the cultural impact of the heist.

Empress Eugénie’s Diamond Crown – Recovered

The only item recovered after the heist was Empress Eugénie’s diamond crown. Set with more than a thousand diamonds in gold and created during the Second Empire, the crown was dropped by one of the fleeing thieves and later found cracked near the museum entrance. Though recovered, the crown was damaged and required conservation.

The October 2025 robbery removed a unique assemblage of French imperial jewels from public view, pieces that held not only material value but also deep historical and cultural significance. Investigations and recovery efforts continue, while the loss underscores the vulnerability of even the world’s most prestigious collections and the importance of protecting cultural heritage for future generations.