Customs Seizes $3M in Fake Designer Jewelry, Scarves
Officers found counterfeit jewels and scarves said to be from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Hermès, and more.

On Nov. 30, CBP officers seized a shipment of 1,830 counterfeit items that included fake designer jewelry and scarves.
The packaging and poor quality of material tipped off the agency’s trade experts, said CBP in a press release about the seizure.
The scarves, bracelets, rings, and earrings were said to be from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Hermès, Versace, and Chanel.
If the items had been genuine, they would have been worth nearly $3.1 million.
The shipment originated in China and was heading to a private residence in Flushing, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens.
“In addition to the impact on businesses and the economy, purchasing counterfeit goods carry harmful risks to shoppers,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of CBP field operations in Chicago.
“It is vital that consumers be aware of what they are purchasing and know the dangers that may be involved.”
Violations of intellectual property rights are sometimes associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, said CBP, and often fund criminal enterprises.
“As the holiday is approaching, I urge consumers to purchase their gifts from legitimate retailers and websites,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie.
CBP has an educational initiative available online to educate consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
The Latest

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.


Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.