FRANCE – A dramatic overnight burglary struck the Musée du Louvre early Sunday, when thieves broke into the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon — home to France’s royal gem and diamond collection and made off with eight priceless jewels of immense historical value, according to the Ministry of Culture

The Ministry confirmed that two high-security display cases were forcibly breached during the heist, which occurred before dawn. 

Among the stolen items are several crown jewels once belonging to French royalty, including the sapphire diadem and necklace of Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, a pair of sapphire earrings from the same set..

The robbers also stole an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise’s parure, a relic brooch, the diadem of Empress Eugénie, and a large corsage bow brooch also belonging to Empress Eugénie.

Security alarms on the gallery’s windows and cases triggered immediately, prompting an emergency response from five on-duty Louvre agents. Authorities said their rapid reaction — and coordination with Paris police — prevented the thieves from stealing additional items or causing injuries.

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