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.
The Latest
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
