CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadCrimeDec 28, 2023
US Customs Seizes Nearly $7M in Counterfeit Jewelry, Watches
Officers in Cincinnati uncovered fake goods from brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Cincinnati seized 11 shipments of counterfeit jewelry and watches from Dec. 1-7, valued at nearly $7 million if genuine.
Cincinnati—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati recently seized 11 shipments of counterfeit jewelry and watches that would have been worth nearly $7 million if genuine.
On Dec. 1, officers halted a package from Hong Kong containing 783 pieces of counterfeit jewelry claiming to be from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Fendi, Versace, and Christian Dior that was heading to a residential address in North Carolina.
The officers spotted the “cheap generic packaging” and “lack of intricate details.”
The following day, Dec. 2, CBP seized 60 sets of jewelry originating from Hong Kong, claiming to be from Cartier, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Gucci.
On Dec. 3, the officers stopped a box from Indonesia that contained a fake Audemars Piguet watch.
These two shipments were also headed to private residences in North Carolina and Maryland.
On Dec. 6, officers inspecting freight uncovered six more shipments of counterfeit merchandise.
One shipment held 650 pieces of fake Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, bracelets, and necklaces with a value of over $1.7 million if genuine.
Another box held 102 fake Rolex watches with matching boxes, as well as 20 counterfeit Gucci belts, with a combined value of more than $3 million if genuine.
The other four shipments held additional counterfeit goods, including a Franck Muller watch, a Cartier watch, a Tissot watch, and five Apple watches.
On Dec. 7, officers seized two more shipments of counterfeit goods. One box held counterfeit jewelry and headbands with logos from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Dior, as well as Mickey Mouse.
The last shipment included 125 fake watches, claiming to be from Rolex, Gucci, Adidas, Tous, and Coach.
Related stories will be right here …
On Dec. 1, officers halted a package from Hong Kong containing 783 pieces of counterfeit jewelry claiming to be from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Fendi, Versace, and Christian Dior that was heading to a residential address in North Carolina.
The officers spotted the “cheap generic packaging” and “lack of intricate details.”
The following day, Dec. 2, CBP seized 60 sets of jewelry originating from Hong Kong, claiming to be from Cartier, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Gucci.
On Dec. 3, the officers stopped a box from Indonesia that contained a fake Audemars Piguet watch.
These two shipments were also headed to private residences in North Carolina and Maryland.
On Dec. 6, officers inspecting freight uncovered six more shipments of counterfeit merchandise.
One shipment held 650 pieces of fake Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, bracelets, and necklaces with a value of over $1.7 million if genuine.
Another box held 102 fake Rolex watches with matching boxes, as well as 20 counterfeit Gucci belts, with a combined value of more than $3 million if genuine.
The other four shipments held additional counterfeit goods, including a Franck Muller watch, a Cartier watch, a Tissot watch, and five Apple watches.
On Dec. 7, officers seized two more shipments of counterfeit goods. One box held counterfeit jewelry and headbands with logos from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Dior, as well as Mickey Mouse.
The last shipment included 125 fake watches, claiming to be from Rolex, Gucci, Adidas, Tous, and Coach.
“CBP protects legitimate trade practices and recommends shoppers purchase their holiday gifts from reputable websites and businesses,” said Cincinnati Port Director Alrick Brooks.
“With the influx in e-commerce, purchasing gifts online can be misleading through third-party sites. We encourage you to be aware and report any suspicious illegal trade activity.”
The 11 shipments were declared counterfeit by CBP’s trade experts at its Centers for Excellence and Expertise and were seized for infringing on the designers’ protected trademarks.
“Protecting the American people, our borders, and enhancing economic prosperity is our job here at U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of Chicago Field Operations.
“Officers are trained to detect shipments containing intellectual property rights violations, and the officers at the Port of Cincinnati do this job very well. By enabling compliant trade, we are protecting the American consumer and the businesses.”
CBP has an educational initiative available online to educate consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
