Delaware Jeweler Viciously Attacked During Robbery
The jeweler was left in critical condition after a suspect pistol-whipped and beat him before stealing jewelry out of the display cases.
On the morning of Sept. 15, a man entered Solid Gold Jewelers in Wilmington and pretended to look through jewelry in a display case with the store’s owner before pulling a gun on him.
Security footage from the store shows the suspect pistol-whipping the 68-year-old jeweler until the latter falls to the ground.
The suspect jumped over the display case and continued to stomp and beat the store owner on the head, including a few blows with a hammer, according to police.
The suspect then is seen going through display cases and taking jewelry before leaving the store.
The estimated value of the stolen jewelry is more than $100,000.
According to a Facebook update from the owner’s son, Steve Suh, they have recovered about 10 to 15 percent of the stolen jewelry but don’t expect to be recover any more.
Suh launched a GoFundMe page on Sept. 26 to help with his father’s medical bills and recovery. More than $82,000 had been raised as of Monday morning.
The page states that the owner of the store was in critical condition after the attack and had to be admitted to an intensive care unit as he was suffering from internal bleeding in his head and a severe concussion.
He was there for four days before going to a rehabilitation facility, where he is re-learning how to do basic things like walk, talk, and read.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, 39-year-old Calvin Ushery, whom has a long criminal history, was arrested Sept. 22 in connection with the robbery.
He has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, robbery in the first degree, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and criminal mischief under $5,000, police confirmed.
He was arraigned and jailed on a $130,500 cash-only bail.
Suh, who is Korean-American, as is his father, noted on the initial GoFundMe post: “There has been no media coverage of this crime despite its horrific nature. With so much violence against Asians lately, I struggle to understand why no one seems to care.”
His brother, David Suh, told the local ABC affiliate he believes the attack on his father was a hate crime, stating, “You don’t have that level of violence without hate.”
An update to the GoFundMe the following day said they have gotten more attention from media and done a few interviews with local affiliates to get the word out.
There was no response from the Delaware Department of Justice as of press time on whether the charges will be upgraded or the case investigated as a hate crime.
Solid Gold Jewelers was still temporarily closed as of Friday afternoon.
The Latest
The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
Jameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.