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Law enforcement in France are desperate to retrieve extremely valuable gemstones robbed from the Paris museum in a audacious broad daylight theft, yet authorities caution it could be impossible to get them back.

In Paris on Sunday, burglars gained access to the top tourist attraction worldwide, stealing eight precious artifacts and getting away via motor scooters in a daring heist that was completed in under ten minutes.

Dutch art detective a renowned specialist stated publicly he suspects the artifacts are likely "already dismantled", after being taken apart into hundreds of parts.

It is highly likely the pieces could be sold off for a small part of their true price and illegally transported from the country, several authorities indicated.

Potential Suspects Behind the Theft

The group acted professionally, Mr Brand believes, evidenced by the way they managed inside and outside of the building with such efficiency.

"You know, for regular people, you don't wake up in the morning thinking, I should become a criminal, let's start with the world-famous museum," he noted.

"This won't be their first heist," he added. "They've committed previous crimes. They are confident and they believed, we might get away with this attempt, and proceeded."

In another sign the expertise of the group is being taken seriously, a dedicated task force with a "strong track record in resolving significant crimes" has been assigned with finding them.

Police officials have indicated they think the heist relates to a criminal organization.

Sophisticated gangs of this type usually pursue two main goals, legal official the prosecutor said. "Either they operate on behalf of a client, or to acquire expensive jewelry to perform illegal financial activities."

The detective suggests it is extremely difficult to sell the items as complete pieces, and he said stealing-to-order for an individual buyer is something that mainly exists in movies.

"Nobody wants to touch a piece this recognizable," he stated. "You cannot show it publicly, you can't bequeath it to family, you cannot sell it."

Possible £10m Value

Mr Brand believes the stolen items will be dismantled and separated, with the gold and silver components melted and the precious stones re-cut into smaller stones that will be nearly impossible to trace back to the Louvre robbery.

Historical jewelry specialist Carol Woolton, host of the digital series about historical jewelry and formerly worked as the famous fashion magazine's jewellery editor for many years, told the BBC the robbers had "specifically chosen" the most valuable gemstones from the museum's holdings.

The "magnificent exquisite jewels" are expected to be removed of their mountings and disposed of, she explained, except for the headpiece of Empress Eugénie which features less valuable pieces incorporated within it and was considered "too hot to possess," she added.

This potentially clarifies why they left it behind during the escape, together with one other item, and located by officials.

The royal crown that disappeared, has rare natural pearls which are incredibly valuable, experts say.

Even though the pieces are considered being priceless, Ms Woolton anticipates they will be disposed of for a small percentage of their value.

"They will go to buyers who are prepared to take possession," she explained. "Many people will seek for these items – the thieves will accept whatever price is offered."

How much exactly would they generate financially upon being marketed? Concerning the possible worth of the loot, Mr Brand indicated the dismantled components could be worth "multiple millions."

The jewels and removed precious metal may bring approximately ten million pounds (millions in euros; millions in US currency), says an industry expert, managing director of a prominent jeweler, an online jeweller.

He told the BBC the gang would need a trained specialist to remove the gems, and an expert gem cutter to alter the bigger identifiable gems.

Less noticeable gems that were not easily identifiable could be sold right away and although difficult to estimate the exact price of all the stones removed, the larger ones could be worth about a significant amount for individual pieces, he said.

"We know there are no fewer than four of that size, thus totaling all those pieces up plus the gold components, it's likely reaching the estimated figure," he said.

"The diamond and luxury goods trade has buyers and there are many buyers within gray markets that won't inquire regarding sources."

Hope persists that the items could reappear undamaged one day – yet this possibility are fading as the days pass.

Historical examples exist – a historical showcase at the London museum includes an artifact previously stolen that later resurfaced in an auction several decades later.

Without doubt is many in France are extremely upset regarding the theft, demonstrating a cultural bond to the jewels.

"French people don't always like jewellery as it symbolizes a matter concerning authority, and this isn't typically receive favorable interpretation in France," a heritage expert, head of heritage at French jeweller Maison Vever, explained