CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadCrimeDec 05, 2023
Police Continue to Investigate Murder of Colorado Jeweler
Peter Damian Arguello, the owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery last week.
A vigil took place Saturday night outside Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, a Denver suburb. The store’s owner, Peter Damian Arguello, was found dead inside the store last week, the apparent victim of an armed robbery. (Photo courtesy of @WheatRidgePD on X)
Wheat Ridge, Colorado—The investigation continues into the shooting death of a suburban Denver jeweler remembered for his kindness and empathy.
According to information shared via social media by the Wheat Ridge (Colorado) Police Department, officers were dispatched on a medical call around 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 29.
A separate 911 call placed about four minutes later indicated there were shots heard in the same area.
When officers arrived at the scene, Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques at 7220 W. 38th Ave., they found the store’s owner, Peter Damian Arguello, deceased.
On Monday, police department spokesman Alex Rose said the case is being investigated as a possible robbery and a homicide.
He declined to release further details on the investigation but confirmed that police found the red Chevy Silverado pickup truck believed to be connected to the robbery early Friday morning.
According to a report from CBS News Colorado, the truck was found on fire outside a tire shop.
According to information shared via social media by the Wheat Ridge (Colorado) Police Department, officers were dispatched on a medical call around 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 29.
A separate 911 call placed about four minutes later indicated there were shots heard in the same area.
When officers arrived at the scene, Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques at 7220 W. 38th Ave., they found the store’s owner, Peter Damian Arguello, deceased.
On Monday, police department spokesman Alex Rose said the case is being investigated as a possible robbery and a homicide.
He declined to release further details on the investigation but confirmed that police found the red Chevy Silverado pickup truck believed to be connected to the robbery early Friday morning.
According to a report from CBS News Colorado, the truck was found on fire outside a tire shop.
Rose said the vehicle is currently undergoing “meticulous” forensic investigation.
On Saturday night, as the town of Wheat Ridge held its holiday celebration and tree lighting, members of the community gathered outside Arguello’s store—where many have placed flowers, candles, and cards—to remember the beloved business owner.
One woman, who works at a salon a few doors down from the store, told CBS News Colorado the local jeweler always had a smile on his face.
“He always took care of everyone … everyone was welcome. He literally would have done anything for anyone in need, ever,” she said.
Up until last week, no jewelers or traveling jewelry salespeople had been killed on the job in 2023, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance confirmed.
Arguello is believed to be the first industry homicide victim of the year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
