One of the suspects was detained at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport around 10 pm on Saturday as he prepared to board a flight abroad, while the second was taken into custody soon after in the Paris region.

The heist, which took place last Sunday, saw thieves use a crane to smash an upstairs window during museum hours before escaping on motorbikes with eight pieces of crown jewellery worth an estimated $102 million.

Videos show thieves using crane and lift during heist

Fresh video footage released earlier this week showed two robbers in construction gear escaping with the jewels using a hydraulic lift.

Another video captured one of the culprits cutting through a glass display case as visitors walked by, underscoring the boldness of the theft.

The investigation has been handed over to a specialised Paris police unit known as the BRB, which deals with high-profile robberies.

Stolen jewels linked to French royalty

The eight stolen pieces, spanning two centuries, once belonged to France’s queens and empresses. Among them were Empress Eugenie’s tiara and crown—crafted by jeweller Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier after her marriage to Napoleon III in 1853. The crown was later abandoned as the thieves fled.

Also missing are a sapphire necklace and earrings worn by Queen Marie Amelie, wife of Louis-Philippe, and Queen Hortense, mother of Napoleon III.

A necklace and a pair of emerald earrings gifted by Napoleon I to Empress Marie Louise, made by official jeweller Francois-Regnault Nitot, were also taken.

Seven of the eight items had been acquired by the Louvre over the past 40 years. France’s Ministry of Culture said the jewels hold a “priceless heritage value.”

“They are invaluable in terms of heritage,” said Rykner. “However, their price can be assessed.”

Louvre remains a global cultural icon

The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily and houses more than 33,000 artefacts, including sculptures, antiques, and paintings.

Among its star attractions are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.