In a dramatic heist at the Louvre Museum, thieves managed to escape with millions in jewels but left French Empress Eugenie's crown behind, severely deformed and crushed after their hasty escape. Though damaged, the museum assures the crown is 'nearly intact' and restoration is possible.
Raid Details Emerge
During the robbery, estimated losses reached 88 million euros, including a diamond tiara among other jewels. However, the crown, adorned with 56 emeralds and mostly intact with over 1,300 diamonds, was abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
The thieves attempted to extract the crown through a small hole they had cut into its protective glass case. This caused the damage, but the museum has revealed that the historical piece is mostly restorable without requiring reconstruction.
Damage and Recovery Efforts
While one of the eight golden eagles that adorned the crown is missing, the majority of its opulent embellishments remain. An expert team under the museum's president, Laurence des Cars, will oversee the thorough restoration of this 19th-century artifact.
Intricate Heist Plan
The heist occurred on 19 October when the burglars employed a stolen lift to access the Galerie d'Apollon. Using power tools, they cut through a window and threatened the guards, forcing an evacuation. Within mere minutes, they broke into the display cases and seized various historic jewels.
Thieves Identified
Authorities have apprehended four suspects believed to have executed the robbery. However, the individual who orchestrated the operation remains at large. Despite capturing these suspects, the rest of the stolen jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and brooches, has yet to be recovered.
As the museum continues to work on restoring the crown, the event highlights both the vulnerability of historical artifacts and the enduring allure they hold for thieves.
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