CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensCrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings
The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville, Kentucky, recently seized a large shipment of fake Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” earrings.
Louisville, Ky.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville, Kentucky, recently seized a shipment of more than 7,300 pairs of fake Van Cleef & Arpels earrings.
The jewels would have been worth nearly $30.4 million if genuine.
The shipment arrived from Hong Kong on Aug. 6 and was heading to a residence in Miami.
Officers inspected the shipment, which weighed 56 pounds and claimed to be a “metal necklace.”
Inside, they found 7,319 pairs of earrings made to look like they were from Van Cleef and Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection.
CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, determined they were fakes and violated the brand’s federally protected trademark.
“Legitimate trade powers the U.S. economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods dampen our economic successes, fund criminal networks, and threaten consumer trust and safety,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, at CBP’s Chicago field office.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
Related stories will be right here …
The jewels would have been worth nearly $30.4 million if genuine.
The shipment arrived from Hong Kong on Aug. 6 and was heading to a residence in Miami.
Officers inspected the shipment, which weighed 56 pounds and claimed to be a “metal necklace.”
Inside, they found 7,319 pairs of earrings made to look like they were from Van Cleef and Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection.
CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, determined they were fakes and violated the brand’s federally protected trademark.
“Legitimate trade powers the U.S. economy, but counterfeit and pirated goods dampen our economic successes, fund criminal networks, and threaten consumer trust and safety,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, at CBP’s Chicago field office.
“As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise.”
In April, CBP officers in El Paso, Texas, seized 2,000 pieces of counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, worth $9.2 million if genuine.
For the last three years, jewelry was the top commodity with the highest total MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) seized for intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement, followed by watches and then handbags and wallets.
China and Hong Kong are consistently the top two source countries for IPR seizures, said CBP, accounting for 90 percent of the total quantity seized in fiscal 2024.
The counterfeit goods are usually sold via underground outlets or on third-party e-commerce sites, said CBP, and many fund smugglers and members of organized crime.
Intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime, noted CBP, highlighting the impact on consumers, businesses, trademark holders, and manufacturers of legitimate products.
“While it may seem harmless to buy a knock-off purse, an inexpensive electronic device, or cheaper medication, these trade practices threaten the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy, and national security by introducing harmful and banned materials into counterfeit products and supporting illegal labor practices,” said the organization.
CBP offers an “E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers” on its website as well as an online educational initiative to educate consumers about the dangers surrounding counterfeit goods.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
