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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
