Created by King Louis XIV – who identified himself with the sun god Apollo – the ornate Galerie d’Apollon is home to numerous priceless jewels.

Among them is the Eugénie Crown, which was found broken and discarded by the thieves below a window at the Louvre today.

Made in 1855, the Second Empire piece is adorned with thousands of diamonds and emeralds.

It is named after Eugénie de Montijo, who became Empress of the French following her marriage to Napoleon III in 1853.

Napoleon III’s father was Louis Bonarparte, the younger brother of the more famous Napoleon I, or Napoleon Bonaparte.

After being crowned Emperor and Empress of France in 1804, Napoleon and Josephine amassed one of the most sumptuous jewellery collections ever.

Many of the pieces were stolen from Royalty during the French Revoltion, while others were amassed from around the Empire.