Thieves broke into the Louvre through the window of the renowned Galerie d’Apollon, the gallery that houses part of France’s Crown Jewels, early on Sunday.

They gained entry around 9:30 a.m. local time, using what appeared to be a freight or goods lift.

The thieves reportedly forced open a window with tools and quickly removed several pieces of historic jewelry. 

The French interior minister said the jewelry had "sentimental value and is priceless." 

The entire operation reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes. Some reports citing sources said seven minutes while others said it was four minutes. 

No one was injured in the incident.