CrimeAug 10, 2022
Smash-and-Grab NY Thieves Flee with $2M in JewelsCrimeAug 16, 2022
3 Packages Containing $6.9M in Fake Watches, Jewelry Seized in Ohio
Customs officers in Cincinnati intercepted the shipments in early August, finding counterfeit Cartier jewels and Rolex watches.
Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati recently seized two packages with counterfeit Cartier bracelets in them.
Cincinnati—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati recently seized three shipments of jewelry and watches that, if real, would’ve been worth more than $6.9 million.
According to a press release, the first shipment, seized on Aug. 5, originated in Hong Kong and was heading to a private residence in Richmond, Virginia.
It had a declared value of $319 but contained 275 counterfeit Cartier Love bracelets that would’ve been valued at $3.3 million retail had they been genuine.
Later that day, CBP officers seized a second shipment from Hong Kong. Officers found 385 fake yellow gold Cartier bracelets and 115 fake white gold Cartier bracelets, which would have had a total retail value of $3.2 million among them had they been real.
The next day, Aug. 6, CBP officers in Cincinnati seized a third shipment from Hong Kong, this time containing 13 fake Rolex watches: 10 Cosmograph Daytona watches and three Yacht Master II watches. Had they been real, the retail price for the watches would have been more than $405,000.
The package was heading to a business in Mesquite, Texas.
CBP said that in fiscal year 2021, it seized 27,107 shipments nationwide with intellectual property rights violations. The total retail price of the items’ real counterparts would have been worth more than $3.3 billion.
This is a 152 percent increase compared with the prior fiscal year, when seized goods were valued at $1.31 billion retail. CPB attributed the rise to both an overall increase in the number of counterfeit seizures and a return to pre-pandemic trading levels.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a press release, the first shipment, seized on Aug. 5, originated in Hong Kong and was heading to a private residence in Richmond, Virginia.
It had a declared value of $319 but contained 275 counterfeit Cartier Love bracelets that would’ve been valued at $3.3 million retail had they been genuine.
Later that day, CBP officers seized a second shipment from Hong Kong. Officers found 385 fake yellow gold Cartier bracelets and 115 fake white gold Cartier bracelets, which would have had a total retail value of $3.2 million among them had they been real.
Packages recently seized in Cincinnati also included fake Rolex watches.
The next day, Aug. 6, CBP officers in Cincinnati seized a third shipment from Hong Kong, this time containing 13 fake Rolex watches: 10 Cosmograph Daytona watches and three Yacht Master II watches. Had they been real, the retail price for the watches would have been more than $405,000.
The package was heading to a business in Mesquite, Texas.
CBP said that in fiscal year 2021, it seized 27,107 shipments nationwide with intellectual property rights violations. The total retail price of the items’ real counterparts would have been worth more than $3.3 billion.
This is a 152 percent increase compared with the prior fiscal year, when seized goods were valued at $1.31 billion retail. CPB attributed the rise to both an overall increase in the number of counterfeit seizures and a return to pre-pandemic trading levels.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
MajorsDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
