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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
