CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesCrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
From hotel room safety to monitoring the booth, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance has provided a list of tips for exhibitors and attendees to keep in mind while attending the 2025 jewelry trade shows in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas—As the Las Vegas trade shows kick off later this week, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance has released a list of standard recommendations for exhibitors and attendees to help them stay safe and mitigate any potential losses.
Exhibitors are at “great risk” in hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants, parking lots, and generally when traveling to and from the show city, JSA said.
Criminals often use money drops, hotel room invasions, distraction techniques, thefts from unattended vehicles, and thefts on the show floor to steal exhibitor merchandise.
Here are 10 tips from JSA on staying safe before, during, and after trade shows.
1. Verify your insurance
Before heading to Las Vegas, verify with your insurance company that you have adequate insurance coverage when shipping, traveling with, or exhibiting jewelry at trade shows.
2. Ship smart
To prevent transportation-related losses, ship your goods to and from the show by an armored courier service.
Ensure that all received shipped boxes are accounted for and never left unattended and be sure to verify end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes.
3. Know what you have
Bring a complete, documented listing of all jewelry that will be exhibited during the show.
This documentation should include grading information, serial numbers, and photos of unique pieces.
In the event of a loss, law enforcement and insurance companies will need this information in a timely manner.
For non-jewelry items at the booth, like storage containers, consider using a GPS tracker, like an Apple AirTag, that allows you to track the property on your phone.
4. Safeguard your goods
All valuables should be vaulted immediately upon arrival. Do not bring any goods to a hotel or short-term rental.
Merchandise should never be left unattended in the booth, and showcases should only be unlocked when removing or returning merchandise.
Remember, setup and breakdown are particularly vulnerable times.
5. Control the booth
Buyer traffic can be intense at trade shows, and JSA has seen a surge in unattended bags being taken from booths.
Never store unattended bags under tables, and promptly return merchandise to safe or guarded locations when the show closes in the evenings.
Exhibitors who are concerned about not having enough personnel to manage merchandise at the booth might want to consider hiring a security officer for the show.
Related stories will be right here …
Exhibitors are at “great risk” in hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants, parking lots, and generally when traveling to and from the show city, JSA said.
Criminals often use money drops, hotel room invasions, distraction techniques, thefts from unattended vehicles, and thefts on the show floor to steal exhibitor merchandise.
Here are 10 tips from JSA on staying safe before, during, and after trade shows.
1. Verify your insurance
Before heading to Las Vegas, verify with your insurance company that you have adequate insurance coverage when shipping, traveling with, or exhibiting jewelry at trade shows.
2. Ship smart
To prevent transportation-related losses, ship your goods to and from the show by an armored courier service.
Ensure that all received shipped boxes are accounted for and never left unattended and be sure to verify end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes.
3. Know what you have
Bring a complete, documented listing of all jewelry that will be exhibited during the show.
This documentation should include grading information, serial numbers, and photos of unique pieces.
In the event of a loss, law enforcement and insurance companies will need this information in a timely manner.
For non-jewelry items at the booth, like storage containers, consider using a GPS tracker, like an Apple AirTag, that allows you to track the property on your phone.
4. Safeguard your goods
All valuables should be vaulted immediately upon arrival. Do not bring any goods to a hotel or short-term rental.
Merchandise should never be left unattended in the booth, and showcases should only be unlocked when removing or returning merchandise.
Remember, setup and breakdown are particularly vulnerable times.
5. Control the booth
Buyer traffic can be intense at trade shows, and JSA has seen a surge in unattended bags being taken from booths.
Never store unattended bags under tables, and promptly return merchandise to safe or guarded locations when the show closes in the evenings.
Exhibitors who are concerned about not having enough personnel to manage merchandise at the booth might want to consider hiring a security officer for the show.
6. Remain vigilant in your room
When staying in hotel rooms, ensure the door closes properly and consider leaving the do not disturb sign on the door.
Other security practices include leaving the television on, as criminals might reconsider burglarizing hotel rooms if they hear the noise, JSA said, and locking the safe even if it is empty as a decoy for potential burglars.
JSA also noted that private and unauthorized hotel room meetings with merchandise present a serious security risk to exhibitors, customers, and other hotel guests. All goods should be kept in show vaults, not shown in hotel rooms.
7. No parking lot business
Organized criminal gangs conduct surveillance of parking garages and parking lots, JSA said, and jewelers have been previously targeted and robbed there.
Exercise caution when moving bags between the show and your hotel room, including laptops, large purses, and other items. JSA said there have been cases in which criminals switched jewelers’ bags with similar-looking ones.
It is important not to conduct transactions in the parking garage or personally transport jewelry from a vehicle into the show.
JSA recommends hiring security escorts.
8. Mind your badge
Do not identify yourself as a jeweler in public places such as taxis or ride shares, hotel lobbies and restaurants.
Be careful when discussing jewelry business in public places away from the show, especially in crowded areas.
Remove your show badge when leaving show areas and keep track of it. Carelessly discarding your badge may lead others to find and use it.
9. Be vigilant in public
Organized theft groups monitor after-hours locations looking for unattended pocketbooks and bags.
Historically, trade show attendees have lost jewelry due to distraction thefts at gaming tables, bars, and restaurants after leaving the show, said JSA, which noted an uptick in this type of theft.
Professional pickpocket teams are known to target individuals wearing high-end watches; JSA has seen distraction thefts in which pickpockets are able to remove watches without the victim knowing.
Use discretion when wearing and carrying high-end jewelry, particularly when traveling to and from shows, dining in restaurants, and visiting other public places. Violent street robberies involving people wearing expensive watches and high-end jewelry are common.
10. See something, say something
All attendees are required to always display their show credentials.
Let show personnel know if you become aware of an attendee who doesn’t meet these requirements, and report any suspicious activities or behaviors observed while at the show.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
