In a daring heist that has gripped the world, thieves recently targeted the Louvre Museum in Paris, making off with eight historic pieces of jewelry from the French crown jewels. However, one item of immense value was conspicuously left behind: the Regent Diamond, a 140.6-carat gem with a storied past and an estimated worth of $60 million. This omission has sparked intrigue and speculation, with many attributing it to the diamond's legendary curse.
The heist, which occurred on Sunday, October 19, 2025, saw the thieves, disguised as museum staff, breach the Apollo Gallery, home to the French crown jewels. They made their escape in a swift seven minutes, taking with them a sapphire and diamond tiara, necklace and earrings from Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense's parure, Empress Eugénie's pearl tiara, an emerald necklace and earrings from the parure of Marie-Louise, a reliquary brooch and a bow brooch from Empress Eugénie's bodice. The brazen act has raised questions about security at one of the world's most famous museums.
The diamond's origins trace back to India in 1701, specifically to the Golconda mines in Andhra Pradesh, a region historically renowned for producing some of the world's most coveted diamonds. Legend has it that an enslaved man discovered the diamond and hid it in a wound in his leg while trying to escape. He then sought the help of an English sea captain, offering to share the profits from the diamond's sale in exchange for safe passage out of the country. However, the captain betrayed and murdered the man, taking the diamond for himself. This act of treachery is believed to have cursed the diamond, bringing misfortune to its subsequent owners.
The diamond's journey from India to Europe is fraught with tales of misfortune. It was acquired by Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, and later sold to the French Regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, in 1717, hence its name. It was once embedded in Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation sword. Some believe that Napoleon's eventual downfall at Waterloo was a result of the curse. The diamond has also been linked to Marie Antoinette, further fueling its ominous reputation.
The legend of the Regent Diamond is not unique; several famous diamonds are believed to be cursed. The Hope Diamond, also mined in India, is associated with stories of suffering and grim fates for its owners. The Koh-i-Noor, another Indian diamond, has a history of violence and bloodshed, with male possessors often losing their power or lives.
The decision to leave the Regent Diamond behind has fueled speculation. Some suggest that the thieves feared the curse. Others propose that the diamond's fame made it too difficult to sell or hide. Still others point to the ethical implications of possessing an object with such a dark history rooted in colonialism and exploitation. Some internet users have called for the diamond, along with other treasures of Indian origin, to be returned to India, viewing them as symbols of India's rich heritage.
Whether the thieves were deterred by superstition, practicality, or a sense of historical responsibility remains unknown. The Louvre heist and the mystery of the un-stolen diamond highlight the complex relationship between priceless objects, their histories, and the legends that surround them.
