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.
More on Crime
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
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 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
