A piece of history has been lost. Not only were €88m worth of jewels stolen in broad daylight, but also their history, along with it. Stolen most likely to be dismantled and sold for material value, the historical value of these jewels has been decimated.
The intricate designs of a pearl tiara and diamond bow brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie had a lifetime of their own. Commissioned in 1853 by Napoleon III as a wedding gift, these jewels survived Napoleons’ defeat, were exiled from France to England and back again, and were regifted at the wedding of the eighth Prince Von Thrun und Taxis to Archduchess Margarethe Klementine of Austria. Despite this, their history has ended with a heist.
Designed to house a remain of Empress Eugénie, and worshipped, the reliquary brooch also lay among the jewels stolen. Although there were never any human remains kept in the brooch, it still held significant value, crafted from diamonds which were given to King Louis XIV by Cardinal Mazarin in the 1660s. It was a very personal accessory, designed specifically for Eugenie, as a relic, to express her piety.
Originally a wedding gift from Napoleon I for his second wife, the vibrant greens and garish diamonds of Empress Marie Louise’s sets of jewels also caught the attention of the thieves. Designed by François-Régnault Nitot, this set was significant for the rare quality of its emeralds.
Finally, a tiara, a necklace and a single earring from a sapphire set were taken. Initially belonging to Marie-Amélie de Bourbon-Siciles, the niece of Marie Antoinette, these jewels displayed her high status and wealth. She became the Queen of France through her marriage to King Louis Philippe I. The stolen diadem was first known to be worn by Queen Hortense, with jewels which could be attached and worn as brooches, this was a statement of rich, high fashion.
While this sums up what was successfully stolen by the thieves, this was not everything they intended to take. Carelessly dropped on their exit— a crown of Empress Eugénie’s, covered with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.
Illustration by Berenika Murray for The Student