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.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
