CrimeJul 11, 2022
3 Charged in Robberies Targeting Traveling Salespeople CrimeJul 21, 2022
FBI Investigates Multi-Million-Dollar Brinks Truck Jewel Heist
Items belonging to 18 exhibitors at the International Gem & Jewelry Show were stolen, valued at more than $100 million.
Millions of dollars’ worth of jewels and watches were stolen from a Brinks truck near Los Angeles earlier this month. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/GeorgHH)
Los Angeles— The FBI is now part of the investigation into a multi-million-dollar jewelry heist that affected more than a dozen trade show exhibitors.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a call about an armored truck break-in July 11, pulling up to a “Flying J” rest stop.
The scene before them was reminiscent of a silver screen heist à la Ocean’s Eleven.
The Brinks truck was loaded at the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo, filled with jewelry, gems, and high-end watches.
The driver was transporting the goods to another event at the Pasadena Convention Center, Brandy Swanson, director of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, told the Associated Press.
Along the way, the driver pulled into a gas station in Lebec.
Unknown suspect(s) broke into the locked vehicle, stealing between 25 and 30 bags with merchandise belonging to 18 exhibitors, said Swanson.
The exhibitors reported their losses at more than $100 million, but a statement from Brinks calculated the losses at less than $10 million.
The discrepancy may be due to underinsurance, said Arnold Duke, president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, in an interview with ABC7 News.
“It’s a common practice for these jewelers to underinsure,” said Duke. “Simply because if you insure everything you have, it’s just very, very expensive. I’m talking about thousands of dollars every week, and they’re on the road 40-some weeks a year.”
In a statement, Brinks said, “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the FBI, is conducting a criminal investigation into the theft.
Those with information are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Related stories will be right here …
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a call about an armored truck break-in July 11, pulling up to a “Flying J” rest stop.
The scene before them was reminiscent of a silver screen heist à la Ocean’s Eleven.
The Brinks truck was loaded at the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo, filled with jewelry, gems, and high-end watches.
The driver was transporting the goods to another event at the Pasadena Convention Center, Brandy Swanson, director of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, told the Associated Press.
Along the way, the driver pulled into a gas station in Lebec.
Unknown suspect(s) broke into the locked vehicle, stealing between 25 and 30 bags with merchandise belonging to 18 exhibitors, said Swanson.
The exhibitors reported their losses at more than $100 million, but a statement from Brinks calculated the losses at less than $10 million.
The discrepancy may be due to underinsurance, said Arnold Duke, president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, in an interview with ABC7 News.
“It’s a common practice for these jewelers to underinsure,” said Duke. “Simply because if you insure everything you have, it’s just very, very expensive. I’m talking about thousands of dollars every week, and they’re on the road 40-some weeks a year.”
In a statement, Brinks said, “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the FBI, is conducting a criminal investigation into the theft.
Those with information are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
