Eight jewels of France’s national collection were stolen from the Louvre on Sunday, and the Ministry of Culture confirmed they had no private insurance, leaving the state liable.
Media: Louvre jewels were not insured
Per French newspaper Le Parisien, eight jewels stolen from the Louvre had no private insurance because they were part of the national collection, meaning the state bore responsibility. The French Ministry of Culture confirmed the claim, saying the government is its own insurer and additional coverage would be costly. When an event like Sunday’s theft occurs, national museums are left with only tears, according to Serex Assurances head Romain Déchelette.
What the thieves stole at the Louvre
Eight items were taken: a sapphire diadem, a necklace and a single earring from a set connected to 19th‑century French queens Marie Amélie and Hortense; a necklace and earrings of emeralds belonging to Napoléon Bonaparte’s second wife, Empress Marie‑Louise of Austria; a reliquary brooch; the empress Eugénie’s diadem and her large bow‑shaped brooch. An empress Eugénie crown also vanished from the display case and was later found near the museum by authorities.
Attack on the Louvre
On Sunday, thieves broke into the Louvre and stole eight pieces of the national collection, prompting questions about security and insurance of state assets.
