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.
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
