MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
CrimeMar 03, 2016
7 store security tips for the holiday season
John J. Kennedy of the Jewelers Security Alliance shares with National Jeweler the most common mistakes jewelers make as the holiday rush hits and his recommendations for avoiding them.
New York--For many jewelers the weeks to come will, hopefully, be a time when their stores are crowded with holiday shoppers.
While increased sales are great for a store’s bottom line, the long hours associated with waiting on more people can lead to jewelers cutting corners or making mental mistakes when it comes to security procedures--not closing and locking showcases, leaving product on the counter or not putting away inventory at night.
Recently, Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy spoke with National Jeweler about the seven most common mistakes jewelers make as the holiday rush hits, and he shared his recommendations for avoiding them.
1. Leaving showcases open
The fact that there are more customers in the store and employees are running around trying to wait on them all can mean that showcases don’t get closed and locked every time someone takes out a piece.
This leads to more sneak and distraction thefts, but those can be avoided if jewelers remind employees that the same security procedures apply year-round, no matter how busy the store gets.
Close and lock the showcase every time a piece is removed. Also, only take out one piece at time. Don’t, for example, remove an entire tray of rings and leave it on the counter.
2. Not properly training temporary workers on store security
Whether it’s hired holiday help or a bookkeeper brought up from the back of the store, those who don’t work the sales floor regularly need an orientation on security procedures.
“You have to make sure they’re all up to speed on security,” Kennedy said. “Your weakest link could be that person who’s only there for a month.”
He also recommended that when jewelers hire someone for a seasonal job who is completely unknown to the store, they pay a firm to do an online background check on that individual. A solid online background check costs about $150 in most cases.
“That person has just as much access to you as any thief, if not more,” he said. “If you don’t know them, then you better (do a background check).”
3. Turning their backs on customers
Like No. 1, this error also occurs because the store is busy.
Retailers or their employees leave jewelry on the counter while they turn around to do gift wrapping or grab a calculator and thieves take advantage. They snatch a ring
or a watch and run out the door, or switch a diamond for a cubic zirconia.
“You can’t really turn your back on the customer when there’s product on the counter,” Kennedy said.
4. Being under-insured
Jewelers have an unusually high inventory at this time of year. Kennedy said they have to make sure their coverage is sufficient for what they have in their stores.
5. Leaving product in the showcases overnight
Even though days, and nights, get long at the store, Kennedy reminds jewelers that product needs to be put away at night.
If possible, everything should go into the store’s safe or vault. If that’s not an option, then at least put in a place where it’s not visible from the street.
6. Putting up too many decorations
Employees need to be able to see out of the windows so they can keep an eye out for anybody who appears to be casing the store. Also, in the event there is a crime taking place inside the store, police need to be able to see in, Kennedy said.
In addition, decorations should not be hung in such a manner that they are impeding the view of the store’s security cameras. The cameras need to be able to clearly show individuals’ faces in case of a theft.
7. Not hiring a security guard
“If you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid of hiring a guard,” Kennedy said.
Yes, it costs money, but having a guard in the store during the holiday season could be worth it. In addition to providing an extra layer of security, they can open the door and greet customers, customers whom the employees might not be able to wait on right away because they are busy.
Kennedy said that the security guard should be dressed just like the store’s salespeople, in a shirt and tie.
He also recommended that when a store hires a security guard, they go with an off-duty or retired police officer. While retired officers likely will charge slightly less per hour, he acknowledged that both are going to come with a relatively high per-hour price.
But it is worth the money.
“You get what you pay for,” Kennedy said.
More on Crime
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
