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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
