Necklace gifted by Napoleon to wife among jewels stolen from Louvre in daylight heist

Robbers wielding power tools scaled a furniture hoist outside the Louvre to make off with priceless jewellery from the world-renowned museum on Sunday, taking just seven minutes for the brazen, broad-daylight heist, sources and officials said.

- Agence France-Presse

The hunt was still on for four thieves, whom officials said were experienced and did not hurt anyone in the spectacular theft.

France's culture ministry said eight items of jewellery were stolen, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon gave his wife Empress Marie Louise. “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen,” said the ministry statement.

A ninth object -- the diamond-and emerald encrusted crown of the Empress Eugenie -- was recovered nearby, where it was dropped by the thieves as they fled, the statement added.

The robbery -- the latest to target a French museum in recent months--forced the closure for the rest of the day of the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa.

Armed soldiers patrolled the landmark's esplanade, around the famed glass pyramid serving as its main entrance, while police teams were seen going inside. Evacuated visitors, tourists and passersby were kept at a distance behind police tape, while roads alongside the museum were closed off.