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
The Latest
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
