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
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.
WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full YearThe new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.
Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing UpThe mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul ShahShah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.
Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the EarthHari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.
TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on TraceabilityThe educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New OwnerAustralian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.
AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at AuctionA 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.
Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award RecipientsThey will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.
ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February? Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.
MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval JewelsThe 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show YetMore than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.
