Eight royal jewels were stolen from the Louvre on Sunday, 19 October, and authorities have now revealed how long they have to recover them, and what could happen to the pieces if they don’t.
The theft took place at around 9.30 am local time yesterday, when a group of intruders entered a gallery containing the French Crown Jewels. They broke display cases, took several items, and escaped within minutes. The robbery was described as “calm, fast, and professional.”
So, how long do the authorities have to recover the stolen jewels?
Police have about one week to find the stolen objects before they are likely lost forever, according to art detective Arthur Brand. He described the incident as “the theft of the decade.”
PANIQUE TOTALE au Musée du Louvre évacué d’urgence
Braquage confirmé par Rachida Dati. pic.twitter.com/p2c1Eo5XjT
— Raspoutine (@gregraspoutine) October 19, 2025
Brand told Sky News that the items are too famous to sell on the black market. This means the thieves are unlikely to profit unless they alter them beyond recognition. “If they catch the thieves, the stuff might still be there,” he said. “If it takes longer, the loot is probably gone and dismantled. It’s a race against time.”
Among the pieces stolen are tiaras, necklaces and earrings once belonging to Empress Eugénie, Empress Marie Louise, and Queen Marie-Amélie. Each is considered part of France’s national heritage and cannot be replaced.
So, what will the robbers likely do with the stolen items?
Because the jewels are easily identifiable, experts believe the thieves will try to dismantle and destroy them if they are not quickly recovered.
According to Brand, this means melting down the metals such as gold and silver, removing the diamonds and emeralds, and possibly cutting them into smaller pieces so they can be sold without being recognised. Once that happens, the original objects would be impossible to recover.
MOVIE HEIST AT THE LOUVRE
Three thieves stole nine jewels belonging to Napoleon and Empress Eugenie. They allegedly entered through a construction zone, cut the windows, and stole the French crown jewels in seven minutes. They escaped on a motorcycle.pic.twitter.com/2BDWyYUDgC
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 19, 2025
Investigators are analysing CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the scene. France’s interior minister said the thieves arrived using a basket lift on a lorry and escaped on motorbikes. No arrests have been made so far.
In a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “We will recover the works and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Everything is being done, everywhere, to achieve this.”
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