🔗 Share this article

French authorities are making every effort to locate priceless treasures robbed from the Paris museum in a brazen daytime heist, yet authorities caution it might be impossible to get them back.

In Paris over the weekend, burglars entered by force the most popular museum globally, stealing eight precious artifacts before escaping via motor scooters in a daring heist that lasted approximately eight minutes.

Dutch art detective a renowned specialist stated publicly he suspects the artifacts are likely "long gone", having been broken up into many fragments.

It is highly likely the artifacts will be sold for a fraction of their worth and smuggled out of French territory, other experts indicated.

Who May Be Behind the Heist

The thieves were professionals, according to the expert, evidenced by the fact they were through the museum of the Louvre in record time.

"You know, for regular people, people don't suddenly decide overnight believing, I'm going to become a criminal, and begin with the Louvre," he said.

"This isn't their initial robbery," he continued. "They have done previous crimes. They are confident and they thought, we could succeed with this attempt, and proceeded."

As further evidence the skill of the thieves is considered significant, a dedicated task force with a "strong track record in solving high-profile robberies" has been assigned with finding them.

Law enforcement have indicated they think the heist is linked to an organised crime network.

Criminal organizations such as these generally have two objectives, French prosecutor Laure Beccuau explained. "Either they operate working for a sponsor, or to secure precious stones to perform money laundering operations."

Mr Brand thinks it seems impossible to sell the items intact, and he said targeted robbery for a specific client is a scenario that mainly exists in Hollywood films.

"No one desires to handle a piece this recognizable," he explained. "It cannot be shown to your friends, you can't bequeath it to heirs, there's no market for it."

Potential £10m Worth

Mr Brand believes the objects are likely broken down and broken up, including the gold and precious metals liquefied and the gems re-cut into smaller stones that could be nearly impossible to connect to the Paris heist.

Historical jewelry specialist a renowned expert, host of the digital series focusing on gemstones and previously served as the prestigious publication's jewelry specialist for many years, told the BBC the perpetrators had "carefully selected" the most important jewels from the museum's holdings.

The "magnificent perfect gems" would likely be dug out from the jewelry pieces and sold, she explained, except for the headpiece of Empress Eugénie which contains smaller gems mounted in it and proved to be "too dangerous to possess," she continued.

This might account for the reason it was abandoned as they got away, together with one other item, and located by officials.

The imperial headpiece which was stolen, has rare organic pearls which are incredibly valuable, specialists confirm.

Even though the pieces are regarded as being priceless, Ms Woolton expects them could be marketed for a minimal part of their true price.

"They'll likely end up to someone who is willing to take possession," she said. "Many people will seek for these – they will take any amount available."

What specific amount would they generate financially when disposed of? Regarding the estimated price of the stolen goods, Mr Brand stated the cut-up parts might value "multiple millions."

The jewels and removed precious metal could fetch approximately a significant sum (millions in euros; millions in US currency), says an industry expert, chief executive of an established company, an online jeweller.

He told the BBC the gang will require an experienced professional to remove the gems, and an expert gem cutter to alter the larger recognisable stones.

Less noticeable gems that couldn't be easily recognized might be marketed immediately and although difficult to tell the precise value of every gem taken, the bigger stones could be worth about a significant amount per stone, he said.

"Reports indicate at least four of that size, thus totaling all those pieces up plus the gold, you are probably approaching ten million," he concluded.

"The gemstone and luxury goods trade is liquid and there are many buyers on the fringes that won't inquire regarding sources."

Some optimism remains that the artifacts could reappear undamaged one day – but those hopes are fading over time.

Historical examples exist – the Cartier exhibition at the cultural institution includes an item of jewellery previously stolen before reappearing in a sale several decades later.

Without doubt includes the French public feel profoundly disturbed regarding the theft, expressing a personal connection with the artifacts.

"There isn't always appreciate jewelry since it represents an issue of authority, and which doesn't always receive favorable interpretation in France," a heritage expert, curatorial leader at French jeweller the historical business, stated