CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
TechnologySep 16, 2015
Jeweler wins ruling to reveal Yelper’s identity
A judge ruled Tuesday that Yelp must reveal what it knows about the identity of a reviewer who posted an allegedly libelous review about her experience at a Boston jeweler’s store.
Boston--A Boston Municipal Court judge ruled in favor of a jeweler Tuesday when he ordered Yelp Inc. to reveal what they know about the identity of a reviewer who posted an allegedly libelous review about her experience at the retailer’s store.
The review in question was posted to Pageo Jewelers’ Yelp page on Feb. 28 by a user identifying themselves as Linda G. from Boulder, Colo.
It slammed Pageo for being overpriced and lacking ethics and also claimed that Pageo owner George Pelz had not given “Linda G.,” an alleged longtime customer who had spent a lot of money at the store over the years, a fair price when she sold her “wedding ring/engagement ring” and all the jewelry she’d bought there back to the store.
Her review also indicated that she was selling her jewelry out of desperation in order to leave an abusive relationship and that after completing the sale, she was seated at the same table as Pelz at a fundraiser for abused women, which she found to be hypocritical since he had “ripped me off when I was so down and out,” she stated.
After being told by Yelp that they would not remove the review, Pelz fired back on the site on March 7, calling the review a “complete fabrication” and Linda G. a “Yelp terrorist,” a reference to a term used in a Boston Globe story that ran that same day.
Yelp declined another request from Pelz to remove the review because it “appeared to reflect the user’s personal experience and opinions, consistent with Yelp’s Terms of Service and Content Guidelines,” court papers state.
On July 27, Pelz brought a libel and negligence lawsuit against Linda G. Doe in Boston Municipal Court, outlining eight claims made in the review that are “false and defamatory statements,” the suit states. (Yelp is not being sued.)
He also subpoenaed Yelp’s registered agent in Boston, seeking identifying information about Linda G. Yelp pushed back, however, filing a motion in opposition claiming that releasing Linda G.’s information was a violation of the user’s right to free, anonymous speech on the Internet.
RELATED CONTENT: The best ways to handle online complaints
On Tuesday morning the parties had their day in court and late that afternoon the judge ruled that Yelp had to comply with the subpoena and reveal what information they have on Linda G.’s identity by Friday.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Attorney Paul Allen Levy of the Washington, D.C.-based Public Citizen Litigation Group, who represented Yelp pro bono in the subpoena case, did not respond to request for comment on Wednesday.
Pelz told National Jeweler that he will determine how to move forward with his libel suit when they determine exactly who, or what, Linda G. is.
In the meantime, the jeweler said his Yelp page has come under fire from people all over the country, with more than 50 users posting one-star reviews as backlash for filing a lawsuit against a Yelper.
The page currently is earmarked by Yelp with an “Active Cleanup Alert” prestitial, which states: “This business recently made waves in the news, which often means that people come to this page to post their reactions. The best place to share your thoughts is on Yelp Talk. You are also welcome to post a review about this business, but we will ultimately remove reviews that appear to be motivated more by the news coverage itself than by the reviewer’s own customer experience with the business (even if that means removing points of view we might agree with).”
As of Thursday morning, a handful of these reviews remained, including one that stated, “I waited thirty minutes for my pizza before being told by the store manager to leave the premises. One of the worst experiences of my life, I will be calling dominoes (sic) next time!”
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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
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.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
