Louvre Heist: Empress’s Crown to be Fully Restored
The crown of French Empress Eugénie, a significant piece of historical jewelry, is set to be fully restored following a theft at the Louvre. This robbery occurred in October 2022, with thieves escaping with an estimated €88 million (approximately $104 million) in jewels. However, they abandoned the Empress’s crown during their hasty exit.
Louvre Heist Details
The heist involved a bold attack on the renowned Paris museum, resulting in substantial losses. While the thieves made off with numerous valuable items, they left the Empress’s crown behind, albeit damaged. The crown, which is adorned with diamonds and emeralds, suffered significant deformation as the burglars attempted to extract it from its display case.
Condition of the Crown
According to a statement from the Louvre, the crown remains “nearly intact,” despite being crushed and broken. Notably, it still retains:
- All 56 emeralds
- 1,344 out of 1,354 diamonds (missing 10)
- Seven of the eight golden eagles originally featured on the crown
The museum reported that the crown’s damage occurred when thieves tried to remove it through a narrow hole they had sawed in the glass case.
Restoration Process
The Louvre has announced plans for the crown’s restoration. An expert committee, led by Laurence des Cars, the museum’s president, will oversee this process. A qualified expert will be chosen through a competitive selection process to ensure the crown is restored to its original condition, without the need for reconstruction.
Status of the Investigation
In terms of the investigation, authorities have arrested four alleged members of the heist crew but have yet to identify the mastermind. The remaining stolen jewels, including a diamond-studded tiara that belonged to Empress Eugénie, have also not been recovered. The museum continues to work with law enforcement as part of its efforts to secure and restore its valuable treasures.
