Events & AwardsNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
CrimeNov 20, 2017
Wave of Smash-and-Grab Robberies Hit Midwest
Suspects have broken through showcases in jewelry stores in Michigan and Illinois, the JSA said.
New York--There have been a half-dozen smash-and-grab robberies in the Midwest over a period of a little more than a month, the Jewelers Security Alliance said in a crime alert issued Friday.
The first in the current string of incidences happened Oct. 6 at a jewelry store in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
According to the JSA, two male suspects entered the business at about 8:39 p.m. with small hammers and used them to smash the top of a case containing diamonds. They were in and out of the store in one minute, escaping in a white vehicle with the loose diamonds they stole.
On Oct. 13 and again on Nov. 3, a jewelry store on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile was hit by smash-and-grab robbers.
According to the JSA, the early November incident happened around 11:40 a.m., when three men used a mallet to smash showcases and take high-end watches before fleeing down three sets of escalators.
The suspects are reported as being males between 17 and 25 years old, and between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall.
In the Oct. 13 incident at the same store, the suspects reportedly fled in a gold Jeep Cherokee, the JSA said.
Anyone with information about these two incidents is asked to call Chicago Police Department detectives at 312-747-8384.
The three other incidents all happened in cities in Michigan between Oct. 25 and Nov. 13.
In Portage on Oct. 25, four suspects entered a store at 8:23 p.m. One of them held the door while the others headed to the back of the store. Two of them began smashing showcases while the third, possibly a female, put loose diamonds into a bag.
A group of three suspects hit a jewelry store in Novi on Nov. 13, also stealing loose diamonds, while a group of four male suspects did the same at a store in Madison Heights on Nov. 9 and got away with diamond merchandise.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said they are unable to prove at this time that these crimes are being perpetrated by a singular gang, though there are
similarities in location--all the crimes are occurring in the Midwest--and method.
Back in 2014, there were two gangs operating who caused what the JSA described as “an explosion” in the number of smash-and-grabs. Many of the individuals involved in those crimes were eventually arrested and the number of smash-and-grabs dropped after that.
The JSA offered a number of tips to help jewelers prevent or mitigate losses from smash-and-grab robberies.
They include having showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames that can withstand multiple blows from a hammer and spreading out the most valuable merchandise, like high-end watches and diamonds, among multiple showcases.
The JSA also recommends having buzzers on doors, positioning security cameras at eye level so they capture the best possible pictures, keeping a log book of suspicious incidences and sharing information among other local jewelers, the JSA and police.
Back in 2014, there were two gangs operating who caused what the JSA described as “an explosion” in the number of smash-and-grabs. Many of the individuals involved in those crimes were eventually arrested and the number of smash-and-grabs dropped after that.
The JSA offered a number of tips to help jewelers prevent or mitigate losses from smash-and-grab robberies.
They include having showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames that can withstand multiple blows from a hammer and spreading out the most valuable merchandise, like high-end watches and diamonds, among multiple showcases.
The JSA also recommends having buzzers on doors, positioning security cameras at eye level so they capture the best possible pictures, keeping a log book of suspicious incidences and sharing information among other local jewelers, the JSA and police.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
