In a daring robbery on October 19, 2025, thieves stole nine priceless treasures from the Louvre, including a sapphire tiara and necklace worn by French royalty, valued at approximately $102 million. However, expert jeweler Stephen Portier warns that the jewelry’s worth could plummet by 90% if the stones are removed from their settings for sale on the black market. He notes that while the market for fine jewelry is extensive, it is a tight-knit community where stolen items are hard to sell without detection.
During the heist, which involved breaking a window and destroying a display case, the thieves dropped Empress Eugenie’s crown while fleeing. Each stolen piece has unique characteristics similar to “DNA,” making identification possible. Portier states that although thieves could attempt to alter the gems to mask their origins, such actions diminish their value further. He questions the motivation behind the risky crime, given the potential challenges and low returns from selling the stolen items.
Source link
