CrimeFeb 06, 2024
Police Search for 2 Suspects in NJ Armed RobberyGradingFeb 08, 2024
GIA Helps Recover Stolen Diamonds
The lab identified the stones when an uninvolved diamond dealer sent them in for grading.
GIA helped police in Colorado recover two diamonds that were stolen from a Colorado home last year.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has helped recover two diamonds that were stolen from a Colorado home last summer.
In June 2023, the diamonds, each more than four carats, were stolen along with other jewelry, and detectives from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) reached out to GIA.
According to a BCSO press release from Dec. 8, 2023, GIA positively identified the stolen gems, which had ended up with an uninvolved wholesale diamond dealer in Cherry Creek, Colorado, who sent them to the lab for grading.
The diamonds were identified through both serial numbers and precise visual descriptors as part of the lot of stolen jewelry, the release said.
That information was instrumental in the sheriff’s office making an arrest in the case, GIA said.
Bryce Daniel Almus, 31, had allegedly pawned the diamonds in the dealer’s shop, according to the release.
After leaving Colorado, Almus was arrested by Michigan State Police on Nov. 27, 2023 and he was extradited to the Boulder County Jail on Dec. 5, 2023.
He is being charged with one count of theft, a class 3 felony, and two counts of pawnbroker-prohibited acts, a class 3 felony.
According to the BCSO, the six pieces of stolen jewelry had a combined value of over $475,000.
Related stories will be right here …
In June 2023, the diamonds, each more than four carats, were stolen along with other jewelry, and detectives from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) reached out to GIA.
According to a BCSO press release from Dec. 8, 2023, GIA positively identified the stolen gems, which had ended up with an uninvolved wholesale diamond dealer in Cherry Creek, Colorado, who sent them to the lab for grading.
The diamonds were identified through both serial numbers and precise visual descriptors as part of the lot of stolen jewelry, the release said.
That information was instrumental in the sheriff’s office making an arrest in the case, GIA said.
Bryce Daniel Almus, 31, had allegedly pawned the diamonds in the dealer’s shop, according to the release.
After leaving Colorado, Almus was arrested by Michigan State Police on Nov. 27, 2023 and he was extradited to the Boulder County Jail on Dec. 5, 2023.
He is being charged with one count of theft, a class 3 felony, and two counts of pawnbroker-prohibited acts, a class 3 felony.
According to the BCSO, the six pieces of stolen jewelry had a combined value of over $475,000.
“GIA often receives requests from law enforcement to help them recover GIA-graded diamonds that are reported lost or stolen,” said Christina Yates, GIA associate general counsel responsible for this aspect of GIA’s work with law enforcement.
“This is an important part of our consumer protection mission.”
GIA began providing training to law enforcement in 1965, beginning with the FBI, the Customs Service and the Federal Trade Commission and later expanding to local, state, and international police agencies.
In the last 15 years, nearly 400 officers from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. have participated in training by GIA, the lab said.
GIA’s work with law enforcement, as well as its expertise in gemology, was first prominently featured in a March 1964 episode of the American television program, “To Tell The Truth,” which featured G. Robert Crowningshield, then director of GIA’s New York office.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
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.
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.”
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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
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.
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.
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.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
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.
