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, 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.
The Latest

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.


“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.