Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeOct 21, 2016
JSA Warns of Surge in Distraction Thefts
The Jewelers Security Alliance said the increase is due to a gang of “Romanian Gypsies” allegedly targeting retail jewelry stores in the United States.
New York--The Jewelers Security Alliance is warning store owners to be on the lookout for distraction thefts allegedly being perpetrated by members of the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies.
The most recent distraction theft, described in JSA’s most recent weekly bulletin, happened Tuesday at a jewelry store in Gilroy, Calif.
According to the JSA, two women entered the store, one of which was carrying an infant.
They asked to see multiple gold chains and rings, and selected several that they said they wanted to purchase.
The sales associate brought the items to the register and one of the women asked to cut off the tags and wrap up the items in her own gift wrapping paper. As the sale continued, the suspects asked if the store accepted euros and, upon learning that it did not, they left, purportedly to go the bank to convert their money to dollars.
The incident in Gilroy was one of a number of distraction thefts possibly carried out by a large gang of “Romanian Gypsies” that the JSA said is now operating in the United States and targeting jewelry stores.
Other similar distraction thefts happened in North Olmstead, Ohio on Oct. 16; Salem, N.H. on Oct. 12; Madison Heights, Mich. on Sept. 25; and Grand Junction, Colo. on Sept. 14.
Some shared characteristics of these jewelry store distraction thefts believed to have been perpetrated by the Roma include:
1. Entering stores in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies or multiple children in strollers;
2. Requesting to see large numbers of items, often gold chains, which they have placed or spread out on the showcase;
3. Seeking to distract the sales associate with wrapping requests, requests to have the items placed in a box to hold for them until they return, or covering the items with a large purse while counting out a cash payment;
4. Finding a reason to leave the store abruptly, such as having only foreign money or not having enough cash, just as the items are being rung up; and
5. Conversing in what has been described as an “unknown European language.”
In
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the Gilroy distraction theft, the JSA said the suspects spoke Spanish, English and also conversed in the “unknown European language.”
One is described as being 5 foot 10 and 170 pounds with a stocky build and long, dark hair worn in a bun.
The second suspect, the one who was carrying the infant, was about 5 foot 6 and 145 to 150 pounds, also with a stocky build and long black hair.
These two women are believed to have attempted a distraction theft at a jewelry store in Bend, Ore. a month ago but the staff prevented it.
The JSA recommends that stores guard against distraction thefts by showing only one item at a time and keeping showcases locked, except when taking merchandise out or returning it to the showcase.
One is described as being 5 foot 10 and 170 pounds with a stocky build and long, dark hair worn in a bun.
The second suspect, the one who was carrying the infant, was about 5 foot 6 and 145 to 150 pounds, also with a stocky build and long black hair.
These two women are believed to have attempted a distraction theft at a jewelry store in Bend, Ore. a month ago but the staff prevented it.
The JSA recommends that stores guard against distraction thefts by showing only one item at a time and keeping showcases locked, except when taking merchandise out or returning it to the showcase.
The Latest
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
