People in the jewellery world will be "looking out for" priceless items stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris yesterday, one expert has told Behind the Story.
French officials said a team of 60 investigators are working on the theory that Sunday's raid was planned and executed by an organised crime group.
The thieves used a mechanical lift to get access to the Apollo Gallery, home to the royal collection, and cutting equipment to get in through a window and open the display cases.
The robbers stole nine 19th-century items of jewellery, one of which - the crown of the Empress Eugenie - was dropped and damaged as they made their escape.
The stolen items have been described as "priceless" by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Read more: Paris authorities urged to issue reward for stolen jewels
Claire Mestrallet, Director and Head of Jewelley and Watches at Adams, says it will be difficult for anyone to offload these pieces.
"It's a very small world, the jewellery world, and people will have their eyes open," she said.
"Whether these pieces end up in New York or the Far East, people will be looking out for them.
"The problem is if they’re broken down, they can also be recut – and that will make it much more difficult to recognise.
"But the jewellery industry will be keeping their ears and eyes open."
Ms Mestrallet said one stolen piece in particular will likely be kept intact.
"There’s one necklace which has a lot of diamonds, but small diamonds, so breaking it down would make no value in comparison to what it is estimated at," she explained.
"That’s what makes me think that [the heist] was probably somebody that wanted those [items].
"But the other pieces can be broken down and I’m suspecting that can happen very quickly".
'Nothing being ruled out'
France 24 Journalist Sharon Gaffney also joined from Paris to update on the investigation.
She said nothing is being ruled out at this stage.
"This wasn’t just some guys who happened to come along during the school holidays - this was very well planned," she said.
"They’re carrying out interviews with staff as well who were on site trying to establish, whether perhaps, they had some kind of inside knowledge.
"Nothing is being ruled out.
"In terms of the investigation, we’re not too much further on - despite the shock and outrage being expressed on all sides," she added.
Katie, David and Fran also discuss a special bonus edition of Behind the Story, coming live after tomorrow’s final presidential TV debate.
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