Louvre thieves will struggle to sell stolen jewels, master jeweler says: "The whole world knows about this robbery"

The thieves who made off with priceless treasure from the Louvre may have a hard time cashing in.

The French government valued the pieces — which include an exquisite tiara and a sapphire necklace worn by French royalty — at about $102 million . But Stephen Portier, master jeweler and Parisian gem appraiser, says that's only if they're intact.

If the thieves prise the jewels out of their settings to sell on the black market, they will be worth much less, Portier said.

"Taken apart and sold as stones and metal, their value drops by 90%," he said.

A sapphire tiara, necklace and single earring worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense was stolen from this jewelry set at the Louvre on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. The Louvre

Like many jewelry professionals, Portier nurses a sli