Thieves Abandon Empress Eugénie’s Crown After Louvre Heist
Thieves recently targeted the Louvre, breaking into the Apollo Gallery and stealing a collection of Napoleonic jewels. During their escape, they lost the crown of Empress Eugénie, which fell to the ground below, sustained damage, and was left behind.
Details of the Heist
The heist occurred in October, taking place in just seven minutes. Thieves used an angle grinder to cut through display cases, seizing eight pieces of jewelry. Other artifacts stolen included:
- A tiara worn by Queen Marie-Amélie
- A necklace belonging to Queen Hortense
- An emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise
- The reliquary brooch of Empress Eugénie
Empress Eugénie’s Crown: A Historical Artifact
The crown, commissioned by Napoleon III and designed for Empress Eugénie de Montijo, was unveiled at the 1855 Paris Universal Exposition. It is part of a rare collection of French crown jewels, much of which was lost during the French Revolution beginning in 1789. The remaining jewels were sold off by the French state in the 19th century.
Although the crown has never been used in a coronation, it became a symbol of imperial power and entered the Louvre’s collection in 1988. The exquisite piece features:
- 1,354 diamonds
- 56 emeralds
- Gold eagles and palmettes as embellishments
Damage and Restoration Plans
Post-heist assessments indicated significant damage. Currently, one eagle is missing, and half of the palmettes are detached or misshapen. Despite its altered state, the crown’s fundamental components remain, allowing for a complete restoration.
According to Louvre experts, the damage was primarily caused by the stress of the heist. The crown’s flexible mount suffered when it was forcibly removed through a narrow gap. Only around ten small diamonds have been confirmed missing, while nine others detached remain intact.
Future Restoration Efforts
The Louvre plans to invite prestigious jewelry houses, including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, to submit proposals for restoring Empress Eugénie’s crown. These proposals will be evaluated by a newly established committee of experts.
The museum is optimistic about restoring the crown to its former glory, focusing on reshaping its framework rather than full reconstruction. This effort represents a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and history of France’s imperial symbols.
