IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CrimeNov 14, 2016
Off-Premises Attacks Spiked in Oct., JSA Says
There were eight attacks on traveling salespeople and jewelers away from their stores in October, about four times the monthly average seen so far this year.
New York--The number of attacks on traveling jewelry salespeople and retailers away from their stores spiked last month, prompting the Jewelers’ Security Alliance to issue a special alert and advisory.
According to the JSA, there were eight off-premises attacks in the month of October, about four times the monthly average recorded in January-September.
In one recent case, which the JSA described as “dramatic,” two salespeople driving onto a highway entrance ramp near the Seattle suburb of SeaTac were cut off by one car and struck from behind by another.
While one suspect stood nearby and pointed a handgun, two masked suspects approached the vehicle, broke two windows and assaulted the driver before grabbing a backpack containing diamonds and then puncturing the car’s tires.
Other attacks on traveling salespeople occurred in Lexington, Ky., Las Vegas and Chattanooga, Tenn.
The JSA also noted that a traveling salesperson was murdered earlier this year near the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, following a robbery attempt near the same airport the previous week.
Jewelers, meanwhile, were attacked off-premises in Roswell and Lilburn, Georgia; Thousand Oaks, California; and Naples, Florida.
The jeweler in Roswell got hit while leaving through the back door of her store while the jeweler in Lilburn was robbed in his home’s garage, the JSA said.
In the Naples robbery, four men wearing clown masks hid behind some bushes with a baseball bat and hit a jeweler’s SUV. As he walked to the back of the vehicle to inspect the source of the noise, the suspect struck him with bats, jumped into the SUV and drove off with his jewelry.
The JSA has 11 basic security recommendations for traveling salespeople and jewelers when they are carrying merchandise off-premises. They are the following.
1. Never resist in a robbery.
2. Traveling salespeople need to drive evasively after every sales call and before returning to their hotel, home or office. Drive slowly, cruise around the block, make U-turns, or pull into a fast-food restaurant or bank parking lot. Salespeople need to be aware of their surroundings--is anybody following the car?--and note that highway entrance and exit ramps provide a “favorable opportunity” for boxing in vehicles, the JSA said.
3. When driving to a retail store, scout the location. Park as close to the store as possible, do not enter by a rear or secluded entrance, and don’t stay in the car for any length of time before or after making sales calls.
4. Do not leave jewelry in an unattended vehicle.
According to the JSA, there were eight off-premises attacks in the month of October, about four times the monthly average recorded in January-September.
In one recent case, which the JSA described as “dramatic,” two salespeople driving onto a highway entrance ramp near the Seattle suburb of SeaTac were cut off by one car and struck from behind by another.
While one suspect stood nearby and pointed a handgun, two masked suspects approached the vehicle, broke two windows and assaulted the driver before grabbing a backpack containing diamonds and then puncturing the car’s tires.
Other attacks on traveling salespeople occurred in Lexington, Ky., Las Vegas and Chattanooga, Tenn.
The JSA also noted that a traveling salesperson was murdered earlier this year near the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, following a robbery attempt near the same airport the previous week.
Jewelers, meanwhile, were attacked off-premises in Roswell and Lilburn, Georgia; Thousand Oaks, California; and Naples, Florida.
The jeweler in Roswell got hit while leaving through the back door of her store while the jeweler in Lilburn was robbed in his home’s garage, the JSA said.
In the Naples robbery, four men wearing clown masks hid behind some bushes with a baseball bat and hit a jeweler’s SUV. As he walked to the back of the vehicle to inspect the source of the noise, the suspect struck him with bats, jumped into the SUV and drove off with his jewelry.
The JSA has 11 basic security recommendations for traveling salespeople and jewelers when they are carrying merchandise off-premises. They are the following.
1. Never resist in a robbery.
2. Traveling salespeople need to drive evasively after every sales call and before returning to their hotel, home or office. Drive slowly, cruise around the block, make U-turns, or pull into a fast-food restaurant or bank parking lot. Salespeople need to be aware of their surroundings--is anybody following the car?--and note that highway entrance and exit ramps provide a “favorable opportunity” for boxing in vehicles, the JSA said.
3. When driving to a retail store, scout the location. Park as close to the store as possible, do not enter by a rear or secluded entrance, and don’t stay in the car for any length of time before or after making sales calls.
4. Do not leave jewelry in an unattended vehicle.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
5. If jewelers or traveling salespeople think they are being followed, call 911 and tell the dispatcher the situation. If possible, make the call obvious to the suspects because criminals are less likely to pursue if they think their intended victim has called police.
6. Jewelers and salespeople who are having trouble with their trunk lock, door lock or ignition key, or have a flat tire, radiator trouble or have been bumped by another vehicle are likely being targeted for a crime. They should get themselves to a safe place.
7. Jewelers should not take valuable merchandise to their homes.
8. Even those not carrying merchandise should consider themselves a target if they are seen visiting a jewelry store while carrying a bag of any kind.
9. Gangs have been known to place global positioning system, or GPS, devices on salespeople’s cars. There are electronic devices that can detect their presence, and the JSA also recommends that traveling salespeople check under their cars regularly.
10. Keep travel plans confidential, including flights, departure and arrival times, hotels, rental cars and locations to be visited. This includes being careful about the type of information that’s shared on social media.
11. Do not gas up prior to returning a rental car, as it is important to limit exposure to potential crime. Buy the gas from the rental car company beforehand, or just return the car.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
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.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
