According to CNN, during a daring heist on 19/10/2025, thieves dropped Empress Eugenie's crown, causing it to fall and break on the pavement. Images released by the museum on 6/2 show the jewelry deformed, with four of the eight palm frond motifs detached from the crown and others misshapen. Additionally, one eagle is missing, and the diamond and emerald sphere is dented.

A Louvre museum report details that the design's frame was stressed when thieves ripped it from its display case through a narrow slot cut with an angle grinder. "This pressure caused the crown's bands to separate, with one segment now missing", the museum stated in its report.

Empress Eugenie's crown damaged in the theft at the Apollo gallery. Photo: Louvre

Experts confirm that despite its deformation, most parts of the crown remain intact, allowing for "full restoration" without needing a complete remake. "This simply involves re-shaping its frame", a museum representative added.

The crown retains its 56 emeralds, and of its 1,354 diamonds, approximately ten small ones from the base's rim are missing. Nine other diamonds have detached but are well preserved.

The Louvre museum announced it will soon invite restorers to submit proposals for repairing the crown, following a competitive bidding process overseen by a newly established expert committee.

The crown's condition before being sent for repair. Photo: Louvre

Since the heist, the museum has received offers to assist with the crown's restoration from renowned jewelry houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mellerio, Chaumet, and Boucheron.

Emperor Napoleon III commissioned this royal headpiece for Empress Eugenie de Montijo, and it was displayed at the Paris International Exhibition in 1855. Although never used for a coronation, it became a symbol of power before entering the Louvre museum's collection in 1988.

The crown in its original state before the theft. Photo: Louvre

For decades, the crown has attracted millions of visitors. Beyond its diamonds and emeralds, the design features eight palm frond motifs interspersed with images of majestic golden eagles.

According to AFP, the seven-minute heist caused approximately 102 million USD in damage. The thieves took eight items, including a necklace Emperor Napoleon I gave to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise; a unique sapphire earring once worn by Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense; and Empress Eugenie's reliquary brooch. The theft sparked debate about security protocols at French museums.

Moment thieves stole jewelry at the Louvre museum. Video: BFMTV

Hoa Mi (via CNN)