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
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
