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.

Authorities were racing Monday to reassure the public about security at key cultural sites — and find the jewels stolen from the museum before they can be broken up and melted down.

The Louvre in Paris is open again, days after the spectacular robbery at the world-renowned museum, the latest in a series of robberies that has left visitors puzzling over empty cabinets and police in search of clues.

Eight priceless royal jewels, including crowns and necklaces, were stolen from the Louvre in a four-minute heist.

A recent heist at the Louvre Museum resulted in the theft of over $100 million worth of France's historic jewels. Experts warn the jewels might be melted or broken into parts to avoid detection. Despite the difficulties,

French investigators are analysing dozens of DNA samples and fingerprints after this weekend's daylight jewel theft from the Louvre museum, a prosecutor said Thursday.Up to "150 DNA samples, fingerprints and other traces" have been identified,

Fox News senior foreign affairs correspondent Greg Palkot reports from Paris, France on new details in the daring daylight Louvre jewel heist and Interpol’s role in tracking the suspects.

No security cameras were monitoring the second-floor balcony where thieves gained access to the Louvre to steal historic jewels worth over $100 million, the museum’s director told a French Senate committee hearing.