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
JSA: Traveling salespeople targeted in Texas
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued an alert for traveling jewelry salespeople visiting the Lone Star State following a wave of robberies in Dallas and Houston.
Houston--The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued an alert for traveling jewelry salespeople visiting the Lone Star State following a wave of robberies in the Dallas and Houston areas this year.
The JSA said Friday that the latest incident happened on Oct. 26 when a New York-based diamond dealer was making his final sales call of the day along Westheimer Road in Houston at about 4 p.m.
As he parked and was about to exit the car, a male suspect allegedly came up, opened his car door, showed a gun and took his goods. The victim saw three or four suspects in all, all described as Hispanic males, the JSA said.
This is the 12th crime against a traveling jewelry salesperson in the Dallas and Houston areas this year, more than twice as many in any other state total in 2015.
Six of the crimes occurred in Houston and the other half-dozen in Dallas, the JSA said. Eleven were robberies while the 12th was a theft from an unattended automobile.
The JSA offered the following tips for carrying jewelry off-premises.
1. Never resist in a robbery. Several of the victims in these Texas cases were punched, kicked, stabbed, tackled or knocked to the ground. As the JSA put it, “Your line is not worth your life.”
2. Take evasive driving action and be observant. Drive very slowly, drive around the block, make U-turns, pull into a bank or fast-food parking lot, and pay attention. The JSA said traveling salespeople should ask themselves, “Are one or more cars following me?” Traveling salespeople also should be aware that gangs may be using multiple vehicles.
3. Get in, get out and move on. Park as close to the main entrance to the store as possible; do not enter or exit through a rear or secluded entrance. Do not remain seated in a parked car for any length of time before or after sales calls.
4. Do not leave goods in an unattended vehicle, even for a minute. It’s an easy target for gangs and often means there’ll be no insurance coverage if there is a theft.
5. Those who do believe they are being followed should call 911. If possible, make that call obvious to the suspicious persons. The JSA said when criminals see a potential victim using his or her cell phone, they are less likely to pursue because
they think the police might have been called.
6. Car trouble could mean targeting. Those experiencing trouble with the trunk, door lock, ignition key, radiator or tires or who get bumped by another car should consider themselves a crime target and get to a place of safety. Also, the JSA said salespeople should inspect under their vehicles from time to time because gangs have been known to place GPS devices on salespeople’s cars.
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.
