The crown belonging to French Empress Eugenie sustained damage during a robbery at the Louvre last October. It was reportedly dropped by thieves as they fled the scene. However, the museum has stated the headpiece is “nearly intact” and capable of full restoration.
The perpetrators managed to steal jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros. During their escape, they left behind this diamond-studded headpiece, which once belonged to the wife of Napoleon III. Detailed photographs of the crown have now been released by the museum for the first time since the incident. The images reveal the crown was “badly deformed” after the thieves attempted to extract it through a small opening they cut in its display case.
While the crown has lost one of its eight golden eagle ornaments, it remains adorned with 56 emeralds. Furthermore, the vast majority of its diamonds, 1,354 in total, are still present, with only 10 missing. This 19th-century artifact is expected to be returned to its original condition, reportedly without requiring significant rebuilding.
An expert committee has been established to oversee the restoration process. This committee is headed by Laurence des Cars, the president of the Louvre Museum.
Details of the Heist
The robbery occurred on October 19th. The gang utilized a mechanical lift mounted on a stolen vehicle to access the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo). Their entry point was a balcony situated near the Seine River.
Two individuals gained entry by cutting through a window with power tools. They then confronted the guards, who subsequently evacuated the area. Following this, the thieves cut through the glass of two display cases that housed jewelry formerly owned by French royalty and its imperial rulers.
According to prosecutors, the thieves were inside the museum for less than four minutes before they made their escape on two scooters that were waiting outside. Authorities have apprehended four male suspects, whom prosecutors claim are the individuals responsible for the theft. The mastermind behind the operation has not yet been identified or captured.
Alongside the damaged crown, seven other items of jewelry were stolen. These missing pieces include a diamond-studded tiara also belonging to Eugenie, as well as various necklaces, earrings, and brooches.