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.
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
