Gold expert on Louvre jewelery crackdown: “This is an order. Someone wants those showpieces in their home”

Eight priceless imperial jewels were stolen from the Louvre in Paris. And that was easy. The thieves didn’t need much more than a construction hoist, two grinding wheels and chainsaws. According to Jelle Oostvogels of the Belgian Federation for Jewelry and Watches, the theft was made to order. “Someone wants those showpieces in their home.” He explains why these jewels cannot simply be melted down, and why the diamonds would immediately stand out on any counter.

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