EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
CrimeDec 16, 2014
8 tips for having a safe trunk show
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., ISPS and Jewelers UnBlocked give pointers on having a safe trunk show during the holiday season and year-round.
New York--Trunks shows are a good way to showcase goods from a particular designer, or designers, to a motivated customer base.
But getting those motivated customers into the store means advertising, which anyone, including criminals, can see.
David Sexton, the vice president of loss prevention consulting at Jewelers Mutual; Itay Hendel, the CEO of ISPS, a global jewelry security training and risk prevention firm; and Jewelers UnBlocked President and CEO Patricia Low offered the following tips for trunk show safety during the holiday season and year-round.
1) Ship the jewelry if possible. Vendors/designers shipping their goods directly to the store via armored car is the safest solution. And then, even if almost everything sells, ship what remains back to the office. “Thieves may target you as you leave the event, assuming that you have valuables on your person,” said ISPS’s Hendel.
2) If the merchandise can’t be sent in advance, be vigilant. Have the designer or vendor call when they near the store, giving the staff time to scope out the parking lot for suspicious behavior. Have them park as close as possible to a store entrance that is visible and not secluded.
3) Offer assistance. Have one or two members of the staff help unload the merchandise and bring it into the store while another staff member keeps an eye out for potential risks. The store owner should offer their safe or vault for overnight storage, if necessary.
4) Share information with the local police department. Let the local police department know that the store will be having designers/vendors visiting and be specific about the threats that robbery gangs pose. If possible, ask for extra police presence for the designer’s arrival and departure.
5) Keep a guard up, literally. Hendel recommended posting security guards--preferably off-duty police officers in uniform--at the front of the trunk show site whenever possible, particularly if the show includes significant pieces. Sexton said that jewelers also should, if feasible and necessary, provide secure transportation to and from the airport, or even provide an escort out of town to make sure the designer isn’t being followed.
6) Split up the high-value merchandise. Don’t put all the most expensive pieces in one display case to avoid huge losses in the event of a smash-and-grab.
7) Escort them out. Exercise the same vigilance as when the designer was arriving: Check the parking lot for
suspicious individuals and walk the designer to their car. Sexton also recommended that the person doing the escorting have a cell phone in hand so they can call in any suspicious activity. Do not, he said, carry a gun as it might escalate violence from waiting thieves.
8) Get covered. Both store owners and designers need to check with their insurance professional in advance to ensure they are covered for events such as a trunk show.
More on Crime
The Latest
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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.
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.”
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.
