Editor’s Note
This article discusses the implications of a recent high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum, highlighting the enduring allure and liquidity of precious gems as tangible assets.
Following the jewelry theft incident that occurred at the Louvre Museum on October 19, 2025, the value of gems as “assets” is once again drawing attention.
The incident occurred shortly after the museum opened. The criminal group used a power saw to break in through a window and stole eight pieces of jewelry worth 15.5 billion yen in just seven minutes. Among them were luxurious items adorned with thousands of gems, including Empress Eugénie’s brooch and emerald earrings.
French authorities described the stolen items as “heritage of immeasurable historical value.”
Unlike paintings or crafts, jewelry retains value in its constituent materials—such as diamonds, emeralds, gold, or platinum—even if broken down or disassembled. The key characteristic is that “value remains even if the form changes.”
This property applies not only to historical masterpieces in museums but also to jewelry found in households. Even items with outdated designs or that are broken may hold more value than expected, especially given the current rise in gold and gem prices.
Items such as out-of-fashion jewelry, inherited gems of unknown value, single earrings, or broken rings can potentially command high value based on current gold market prices and gem valuation standards. The first step in protecting your assets is to accurately understand their current worth.
The shop employs GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified appraisers. Each piece of jewelry is meticulously evaluated based on internationally recognized standards and the latest market data.
They handle a wide range of items, including pink diamonds, colored diamonds, colorless diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, other colored stones, as well as gold/platinum products and brand jewelry. Appraisal and cancellation are completely free of charge, allowing customers to check the value with peace of mind.
Now is an excellent opportunity to reassess the value of jewelry lying unused at home.