(Clockwise From Top L) A tiara, a necklace, and a single earring from the sapphire jewelery set of Queen Marie‑Amélie and Queen Hortense. An emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings from the jewelry set of Empress Marie‑Louise. A brooch known as the “reliquary brooch.” A large bodice-knot brooch of Empress Eugénie. A tiara of Empress Eugénie. The crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie. Stéphane Maréchalle/Musée du Louvre
The audacious theftof priceless jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris on Oct. 19 has been called “the heist of the century” by several French newspapers. Commentators have quickly drawn parallels to similar headline-grabbing crimes over the years.
As special investigators scramble to catch those involved, here’s what to know about how the heist was pulled off in mere minutes, what was stolen, and why experts fear the jewels may never be recovered.
