Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsCrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA Says
At JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
New York—The number of jewelry crimes increased 27 percent between 2021 and 2022, hitting a record level, Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said Saturday at the organization’s annual luncheon.
Kennedy said members of the industry reported 2,141 cases to JSA in 2022—the highest number ever recorded by the organization—and the crimes weren’t isolated to one type.
They were a mix of everything, he said—smash-and-grabs, grab-and-run, distraction thefts, etc.—adding that JSA is also now seeing criminals following customers from jewelry stores in order to rob them after they’ve made a purchase.
“The situation is not good at all. It is extremely dangerous,” Kennedy said.
In light of the uptick in crime, JSA said it needs to raise more money to hire additional staff. At the luncheon, Kennedy unveiled details of what he described as a “multi-pronged plan” to increase revenue for the organization.
The plan includes not only raising dues but also having sponsors take out ads on its website and in its popular weekly e-newsletter alerts.
JSA will also introduce a tiered pricing structure in which members will have to pay more to have access to additional services, like consulting.
“JSA needs to fulfill the promises of April 25, 1883,” said Kennedy, referencing the date the organization was founded 140 years ago.
Related stories will be right here …
Kennedy said members of the industry reported 2,141 cases to JSA in 2022—the highest number ever recorded by the organization—and the crimes weren’t isolated to one type.
They were a mix of everything, he said—smash-and-grabs, grab-and-run, distraction thefts, etc.—adding that JSA is also now seeing criminals following customers from jewelry stores in order to rob them after they’ve made a purchase.
“The situation is not good at all. It is extremely dangerous,” Kennedy said.
In light of the uptick in crime, JSA said it needs to raise more money to hire additional staff. At the luncheon, Kennedy unveiled details of what he described as a “multi-pronged plan” to increase revenue for the organization.
The plan includes not only raising dues but also having sponsors take out ads on its website and in its popular weekly e-newsletter alerts.
JSA will also introduce a tiered pricing structure in which members will have to pay more to have access to additional services, like consulting.
“JSA needs to fulfill the promises of April 25, 1883,” said Kennedy, referencing the date the organization was founded 140 years ago.
Also during the luncheon, held Saturday at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan, JSA also honored two individuals with the presentation of its annual awards, the James B. White Award for law enforcement and the Industry Service Award.
Joseph Metsopulos, a detective with the New York City Police Department’s Major Case Squad, received the 24th annual James B. White Award for his work fighting jewelry-related crime in New York’s Diamond District.
In his five years investigating Diamond District crime, Metsopulos has worked more than 250 cases, brought about the prosecution of 60 individuals, and recovered millions for victims.
Last year, Metsopulos also received the John J. Kennedy Award during AGS Conclave, awarded to law enforcement and security professionals who have served the jewelry industry.
The 18th annual Industry Service Award went to Stanley Oppenheim, founder and CEO of DGA Security Systems. Unable to attend due to illness, Oppenheim’s son, Daniel Oppenheim, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
DGA supplies alarm, video surveillance, access control and fire systems to diamond and jewelry companies. Oppenheim built the business from nothing into a company that employs 600 people and has a state-of-the-art facility in New Jersey.
JSA’s luncheon was one of a number of industry events that took place over the weekend in New York.
The weekend started with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s annual luncheon on Friday afternoon, featuring U.S. Ambassador James O’Brien, who spoke about the additional sanctions expected to be levied on Russian diamonds.
Jewelers of America’s Gem Awards followed on Friday night, with the annual 24 Karat Club banquet capping off the weekend on Saturday.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
