CrimeJun 03, 2021
Customs Seizes $718K in Fake Designer JewelryCrimeAug 06, 2021
Customs Seizes $5.6M in Counterfeit Jewelry, Watches
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky found counterfeit David Yurman jewelry, Rolex watches, and more.
Counterfeit David Yurman jewelry and Rolex watches were among the fake pieces seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky last month.
Louisville, Ky.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky intercepted three packages containing counterfeit jewelry and watches worth about $5.6 million.
On July 30, officials seized a package containing 580 counterfeit pieces of David Yurman jewelry. If genuine, the package would be worth about $365,400.
A second shipment was found that day containing 2,411 counterfeit watches said to be from various designer brands. If these watches were authentic, they’d be worth more than $4.46 million.
The final shipment arrived on July 31, containing 10 counterfeit Rolex watches with a genuine worth of $756,500.
All shipments came from Hong Kong and were headed to Ontario; California; Jonesboro, Georgia; and Worcester, Massachusetts, respectively.
An import specialist from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise examined the items and confirmed they were counterfeits.
Related stories will be right here …
On July 30, officials seized a package containing 580 counterfeit pieces of David Yurman jewelry. If genuine, the package would be worth about $365,400.
A second shipment was found that day containing 2,411 counterfeit watches said to be from various designer brands. If these watches were authentic, they’d be worth more than $4.46 million.
The final shipment arrived on July 31, containing 10 counterfeit Rolex watches with a genuine worth of $756,500.
All shipments came from Hong Kong and were headed to Ontario; California; Jonesboro, Georgia; and Worcester, Massachusetts, respectively.
An import specialist from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise examined the items and confirmed they were counterfeits.
“These types of seizures happen every night. Our officers are very well trained and vigilant in stopping these illegal shipments from reaching their destinations,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office, in a press release about the seizures.
“Whether it is Intellectual Property Right violations, narcotics, unapproved items, or counterfeit products, our officers will continue to protect our local communities and our ports of entry.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online to educate consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
To avoid purchasing counterfeit goods, CBP recommends buying products directly from authorized retailers and to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
When shopping online, the organization recommends reading seller reviews and checking for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
For more information, visit the CBP website.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
