CrimeJan 12, 2022
JSA Notes ‘Disturbing Upsurge’ in Smash-and-Grab RobberiesCrimeJan 26, 2022
Customs Seizes Nearly $9M in Counterfeit Jewelry
Officials in Cincinnati and Indianapolis intercepted four shipments of fakes from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati and Indianapolis recently seized four shipments of counterfeit jewelry, worth nearly $9 million if the items had been genuine.
Cincinnati—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati and Indianapolis seized nearly $9 million in counterfeit jewelry from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.
The first of four shipments was stopped by customs officers in Cincinnati on Christmas Eve and contained 13,467 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry.
The pieces were said to be from luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Rolex, Tiffany, Tori Burch, and Versace.
If genuine, the shipment, which originated from China, would be worth more than $3.7 million.
On Jan. 4, officers in Indianapolis seized a shipment containing 1,272 pieces of counterfeit jewelry, valued at more than $2 million if genuine.
The next day, the Indianapolis officers stopped two more shipments.
One contained 278 counterfeit Cartier and Hermès bracelets, worth nearly $2 million if genuine.
The other contained 1,680 fakes said to be from Chanel, Dior, Pandora, Prada, and Tiffany & Co., worth nearly $900,000 if they were real.
The four shipments, worth a total of $8.7 million if genuine, were on their way to private residences in Laredo, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and White Plains, New York.
“This is just another example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations in Chicago, in a press release about the seizures.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
The rise of e-commerce has given counterfeit and pirated goods more ways to reach consumers, CBP said.
It estimated U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion each year on goods that infringe upon intellectual property rights, accounting for 20 percent of the counterfeit goods sold illegally worldwide.
“Legitimate trade strengthens our economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods threaten American jobs and innovation,” said Indianapolis Acting Port Director Timothy Hubbard.
Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie said, “Protecting intellectual property rights remains a priority trade issue for CBP and our officers are committed to American consumers and our economic security.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online for consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
Related stories will be right here …
The first of four shipments was stopped by customs officers in Cincinnati on Christmas Eve and contained 13,467 pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry.
The pieces were said to be from luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Rolex, Tiffany, Tori Burch, and Versace.
If genuine, the shipment, which originated from China, would be worth more than $3.7 million.
On Jan. 4, officers in Indianapolis seized a shipment containing 1,272 pieces of counterfeit jewelry, valued at more than $2 million if genuine.
The next day, the Indianapolis officers stopped two more shipments.
One contained 278 counterfeit Cartier and Hermès bracelets, worth nearly $2 million if genuine.
The other contained 1,680 fakes said to be from Chanel, Dior, Pandora, Prada, and Tiffany & Co., worth nearly $900,000 if they were real.
The four shipments, worth a total of $8.7 million if genuine, were on their way to private residences in Laredo, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and White Plains, New York.
“This is just another example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations in Chicago, in a press release about the seizures.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
The rise of e-commerce has given counterfeit and pirated goods more ways to reach consumers, CBP said.
It estimated U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion each year on goods that infringe upon intellectual property rights, accounting for 20 percent of the counterfeit goods sold illegally worldwide.
“Legitimate trade strengthens our economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods threaten American jobs and innovation,” said Indianapolis Acting Port Director Timothy Hubbard.
Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie said, “Protecting intellectual property rights remains a priority trade issue for CBP and our officers are committed to American consumers and our economic security.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online for consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
