Third-generation vintage jewelry dealer Lee Siegelson, of Siegelson Jewelry, who has handled, bought and sold some of the most important jewels of the world explains the inestimable value beyond just the precious stones and metals.

Officials say suspects used a truck-mounted basket lift and power tools to carry out the brazen Sunday morning theft at the world’s most-visited museum.

The only camera monitoring the exterior wall of the Louvre where they broke in was pointing away from the first-floor balcony that led to Gallery of Apollo housing the jewels, she said. "We failed these jewels," she said, adding that no-one was protected from "brutal criminals - not even the Louvre".

The French crown jewels robbed from the Louvre museum in Paris are likely lost forever, an art crime expert tells CBS News, even if the thieves are caught.

The Louvre in Paris remains closed after a bold crown jewel heist stunned visitors, including retired FBI agent Harry Trombitas,

France's culture minister has told the National Assembly that the Louvre's security cameras were working during Sunday's infamous heist, raising further questions

Master jeweler Stephen Portier said the Louvre robbers might recut the stolen gems, which would significantly decrease their value.