CrimeSep 16, 2024
New Jersey Jeweler Pleads Guilty To Evading CustomsCrimeSep 20, 2024
Oregon Jeweler Sentenced to 20 Years for Stealing From, Defrauding Customers
The former owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen counts of theft and aggravated theft.
On Sept. 12, West Salem, Oregon, jeweler Douglas Wayne Gamble pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from his customers between 2018 and 2022.
Salem, Ore.—An Oregon jeweler has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for stealing thousands of dollars from customers over the course of six years by swapping natural diamonds with lab-grown ones and not returning jewelry left for repair, among other schemes.
On Sept. 12, Douglas Wayne Gamble, 58, pleaded guilty to 21 counts of theft and aggravated theft involving 19 customers, according to a news release from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Six counts of first-degree aggravated theft were dismissed as part of his plea deal.
Gamble also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal mistreatment in the first degree and aggravated theft, charges that involve stealing money from a family member, the district attorney’s office said.
A local news report identified that family member as his father.
Gamble was the owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem, Oregon, which offered repairs and appraisals, among other services.
It closed suddenly in October 2022, without notifying customers or returning jewelry that had been dropped off on consignment or for repair.
The district attorney’s office said that between 2018 and 2022, Gamble devised numerous schemes to steal and defraud customers of their jewelry, watches, and cash.
Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso pronounced the sentence.
Gamble will be required to serve a three-year term of post-prison supervision after he is released.
He also will be required to pay restitution to all victims in all charges.
The district attorney’s office said it is estimated the restitution that will be sought on behalf of the victims will exceed $500,000.
Related stories will be right here …
On Sept. 12, Douglas Wayne Gamble, 58, pleaded guilty to 21 counts of theft and aggravated theft involving 19 customers, according to a news release from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Six counts of first-degree aggravated theft were dismissed as part of his plea deal.
Gamble also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal mistreatment in the first degree and aggravated theft, charges that involve stealing money from a family member, the district attorney’s office said.
A local news report identified that family member as his father.
Gamble was the owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem, Oregon, which offered repairs and appraisals, among other services.
It closed suddenly in October 2022, without notifying customers or returning jewelry that had been dropped off on consignment or for repair.
The district attorney’s office said that between 2018 and 2022, Gamble devised numerous schemes to steal and defraud customers of their jewelry, watches, and cash.
Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso pronounced the sentence.
Gamble will be required to serve a three-year term of post-prison supervision after he is released.
He also will be required to pay restitution to all victims in all charges.
The district attorney’s office said it is estimated the restitution that will be sought on behalf of the victims will exceed $500,000.
The Salem Police Department, which began receiving reports from a number of Gamble’s customers in late 2022, arrested the jeweler last September.
He was accused of selling lab-grown diamonds as natural, as well as failing to return jewelry left for repair, among other things.
Some customers reported never receiving jewelry they purchased, and others said the jeweler swapped the diamonds in their jewelry with synthetic stones.
In a statement issued following the arrest, police said Gamble scammed victims out of more than $700,000.
In several cases throughout the six-year scheme, the victims were more than 65 years old and lost family heirlooms, the Polk County District Attorney’s Office said in its recent release.
One report said Gamble had melted down a customer’s items.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
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.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
