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
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
