CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, 32, of Houston, Texas, is accused of stealing nearly $800,000 worth of jewelry from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, and then swallowing the evidence.
Orlando, Fla.—A man in Florida faces charges of grand theft after allegedly robbing the Tiffany & Co. store at the Mall of Millenia in Orlando, Florida, and then swallowing the evidence.
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, 32, of Houston, Texas, is accused of stealing nearly $800,000 worth of jewelry from the store on Feb. 26.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit filed in the case, an employee of the Tiffany & Co. store told police that Gilder posed as a representative for an Orlando Magic player who was looking to purchase diamond earrings and a diamond ring.
Due to the high value of the items, two employees led Gilder into a private viewing room, showing him a pair of 4.86-carat diamond solitaire earrings ($160,000), a pair of 8.19-carat diamond solitaire earrings ($609,500), and a 5.16-carat diamond solitaire ring ($587,000).
During the consultation, an employee told police that Gilder jumped out of his seat and grabbed all of the merchandise, injuring one employee as he fled, the affidavit states.
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, 32, of Houston, Texas, is accused of stealing nearly $800,000 worth of jewelry from the store on Feb. 26.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit filed in the case, an employee of the Tiffany & Co. store told police that Gilder posed as a representative for an Orlando Magic player who was looking to purchase diamond earrings and a diamond ring.
Due to the high value of the items, two employees led Gilder into a private viewing room, showing him a pair of 4.86-carat diamond solitaire earrings ($160,000), a pair of 8.19-carat diamond solitaire earrings ($609,500), and a 5.16-carat diamond solitaire ring ($587,000).
During the consultation, an employee told police that Gilder jumped out of his seat and grabbed all of the merchandise, injuring one employee as he fled, the affidavit states.
The suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Jaythan Lawrence Gilder of Houston, Texas, is seen in surveillance video from the private viewing room at the Tiffany & Co. store.
Employees said Gilder jumped out of his chair during the consultation and ultimately fled with two pairs of diamond earrings.
Gilder allegedly got away with the two pairs of earrings, valued at a combined $769,500.
One of the Tiffany employees managed to recover the ring by slapping it out of Gilder’s hand as he struggled to open the viewing room doors, according to the affidavit.
Based on video surveillance and employee interviews, officials said it was clear that the jewelry was “taken by force and fear … with resisting a merchant or battering a merchant.”
The getaway vehicle was seen in surveillance video and tracked using toll records and public safety cameras.
He was stopped by Florida Highway Patrol hours later due to a traffic violation.
As he was being taken into custody, he swallowed several items, suspected to be the stolen jewelry, the affidavit states, and a live scan at the Washington County Jail confirmed there were foreign objects in his stomach.
At the time of his arrest, Gilder was held on resisting charges separate from this incident and 48 separate “failure to appear” warrants from the state of Colorado.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for his vehicle and found Tiffany & Co. earrings forms and matching price tags.
They also found an arm bandage and a gauze nose covering in the vehicle. Gilder had no related injuries, said officials, who determined he wore these items, along with the hat, to try to disguise his identity.
At the jail, Gilder “spontaneously” asked staff, “Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?,” as per the affidavit.
The arresting officer also allegedly heard Gilder say, “I should have thrown them out the window.”
Gilder is being charged with grand theft in the first degree and robbery with a mask.
A search of his criminal history found he had been charged with a “near identical” robbery/theft of a Tiffany & Co. store in Woodlands Township, Texas, in 2022, the affidavit notes.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
