In a world where diamonds glitter as brightly as danger, some of history’s most audacious thieves have pulled off jewellery heists that stunned nations and rewrote the rules of crime forever.
Jewellery heists have long captured the imagination of the public, blending high-stakes crime with dazzling luxury. From daring museum raids to audacious daylight robberies in Europe’s wealthiest cities, these thefts are not just about money — they involve planning, audacity, and sometimes decades of investigation. Here, we rank the top five most expensive jewellery heists ever, based on value, scale, and historical impact.
5. Antwerp Diamond Centre – 2003
Estimated Value: $28 Million
The Antwerp Diamond Centre in Belgium, one of the world’s largest diamond trading hubs, became the target of a meticulously planned heist in February 2003. Thieves spent four years surveilling the facility, learning alarm codes, studying security patterns, and mapping staff routines. On the day of the robbery, they bypassed vaults and removed 123 out of 160 diamond deposits, making off with an astonishing haul of uncut diamonds.
Despite their careful planning, their downfall was almost comically small: one thief left behind a half-eaten sandwich, which helped authorities identify members of the gang. Investigators also found fingerprints and traces of clothing fibers, further unraveling the team. Most of the diamonds were never recovered, making it one of the largest unsolved diamond thefts in Europe, and it prompted a major overhaul of Antwerp’s security protocols, including biometric vault access and increased surveillance throughout the trading district.
4. Brussels Airport – 2013
Estimated Value: $50 Million
In 2013, a plane carrying millions of dollars in jewellery bound for Zurich was brazenly intercepted at Brussels Airport by eight men disguised as police officers. The thieves walked calmly onto the tarmac, loaded the cargo into a waiting van, and drove away — all under the watchful eyes of airport security cameras. The audacity and precision stunned authorities and the public alike.
Investigations later revealed that the criminals had inside knowledge of the flight schedule, cargo loading procedures, and security routines, allowing them to execute the heist without firing a shot. Some of the stolen jewellery was recovered months later in Belgium and neighboring countries, but the majority remains missing, likely circulated through underground networks. The theft exposed vulnerabilities in airport cargo security and prompted airports across Europe to strengthen screening, tracking, and armed escort protocols for high-value shipments, forever changing how luxury goods are transported by air.
Graff Diamonds in London, where two thieves disguised as women stole $65 million worth of jewellery in 2009, one of the most audacious robberies in British history.
3. Graff Diamonds, London – 2009
Estimated Value: $65 Million
In 2009, two men executed a calculated and theatrical robbery at Graff Diamonds in London, one of the world’s most prestigious jewellery boutiques. Targeting some of the store’s most exclusive and high-value pieces, the duo disguised themselves as women and used prosthetic makeup to avoid CCTV detection. They moved with precision, quickly clearing display cases containing jewellery worth $65 million before vanishing into the streets of Mayfair.
The thieves were believed to be associated with the infamous Pink Panthers gang, a network known for international high-value robberies and meticulous planning. While their disguise and timing initially fooled authorities, a forgotten mobile phone in the getaway car ultimately helped police identify the suspects.
Despite arrests, the majority of the stolen items were never recovered, leaving Graff Diamonds and collectors with a lingering sense of loss. The incident reinforced the store’s already strict security protocols, prompting upgrades in surveillance, staff training, and panic response procedures, and it remains one of the most daring jewellery heists in British history.
2. The Carlton Hotel, Cannes – 2013
Estimated Value: $136 Million
The Carlton Hotel in Cannes, a luxury hotspot for international celebrities during the Cannes Film Festival, became the stage for one of the boldest daylight jewellery heists in modern history. In 2013, a single man, Milan Poparic, brandished a pistol and walked into a suite where high-value jewellery was being stored for private clients. Without firing a shot, he walked away with a suitcase containing jewellery valued at $136 million, one of the largest individual hauls ever recorded.
Poparic, linked to the notorious Pink Panthers, took advantage of the chaotic festival environment, the large influx of guests, and the lax oversight of private collections on display. Investigators described the theft as extremely well-timed and opportunistic, highlighting vulnerabilities in security at high-profile luxury hotels.
Many of the stolen items were never recovered, and the incident prompted a rethink of security protocols for celebrity events, including tighter controls over temporary jewellery storage, enhanced surveillance, and increased coordination with local law enforcement. Today, the Carlton heist remains a benchmark in audacious, high-value robberies and is often studied by law enforcement as a case in planning, execution, and security loopholes in luxury environments.
An aerial shot of the Louvre Museum in Paris, where a daring daylight heist saw thieves escape with France’s priceless crown jewels.
1. The Louvre Museum, Paris – 2025
Estimated Value: Priceless / Heritage Value
In October 2025, the world’s most famous museum was shaken by a heist that stunned France and the world. Four masked thieves executed a daylight raid on the Galerie d’Apollon at the Louvre, stealing eight priceless items of French crown jewellery in under seven minutes.
The stolen treasures included a tiara, necklace, and single earring from the sapphire set of Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise; and pieces belonging to Empress Eugénie, including a tiara and a brooch. Reuters reports that one piece, the crown of Empress Eugénie adorned with 1,300 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was later found outside the museum, damaged aftee being dropped during the escape.
Authorities are pursuing the thieves, believed to have fled on scooters, analyzing CCTV footage, and interviewing witnesses. Experts warn that the cultural and historical loss may be irreplaceable, far beyond monetary value. The heist marks the most valuable jewellery theft in modern history, blending high-speed execution with deep symbolism.
People Also Ask
Were any of the stolen jewels from the Louvre ever recovered?
Yes. The crown of Empress Eugénie, adorned with diamonds and emeralds, was recovered outside the museum, damaged. Investigators are still searching for the remaining seven items.
Which gang is suspected in multiple major jewellery heists?
The Pink Panthers, a well-known international gang, has been linked to several high-value robberies, including the Carlton Hotel and Graff Diamonds heists.
Why are diamond centres like Antwerp targeted so often?
Antwerp is a global diamond hub, with uncut diamonds worth millions passing through daily. The combination of high value, predictable schedules, and international shipping makes it a prime target.
What security changes resulted from these heists?
Airports, museums, and luxury hotels have strengthened physical security, CCTV, and cargo protocols. Some facilities now use armed escorts, biometric access, and AI monitoring to prevent repeat incidents.
Final Thoughts
These five jewellery heists demonstrate the audacity, planning, and precision of some of history’s most daring criminals. While monetary values vary, the Louvre heist stands out for its cultural and heritage significance, showing that even the world’s most secure institutions can be vulnerable. From Antwerp to Cannes to Paris, these thefts have reshaped security protocols, inspired films, and captivated the public imagination, reminding us that the allure of high-value jewellery can motivate the most audacious crimes.
