Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss
Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Michel Patrick Desalles faces one count of second-degree murder, a class A-1 felony, in the 2017 death of his boss, 51-year-old Omid Gholian.
According to the DA’s office, Desalles worked at a jewelry store in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, identified in multiple media reports as World of Gold N Diamond on the corner of Church and Duane streets.
On the morning of Feb. 14, 2017—Valentine’s Day—Desalles allegedly attacked Gholian, tying two zip ties around his neck.
The DA’s office said later that same day, Desalles bought a ticket to his native Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Madagascar.
He flew out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport that evening.
According to the DA’s office, the day following the murder, police and members of Gholian’s family went to the jewelry store and found him dead in the back with zip ties around his neck, bruising to one of his eyes, and a gash on his head.
The statement from the DA’s office did not give any insight into a potential motive in the case.
According to New York Supreme Criminal Court records, a grand jury indicted Desalles for Gholian’s murder in March 2019.
An arrest warrant was issued at that time and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said prosecutors have been “doggedly” seeking Desalles’ return for years.
On Friday, he was extradited to the U.S. from Mauritius and arraigned.
Court records show he has pleaded not guilty in the case and is being held without bail.
No attorney was listed for Desalles as of press time. The next hearing the case is set for Aug. 11.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the DA’s office worked with the Mauritius attorney general and the country’s police force to secure the arrest and extradition of Desalles.
The Latest

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.


Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.