SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
CrimeDec 14, 2016
Two Store Security Alerts for the Holiday Season
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said jewelers need to be aware of continued distraction thefts by “Gypsies” and to be on alert for credit card fraud.
New York--Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy has two very specific tips for jewelers this holiday season.
The first is to be on alert for credit card fraud, and the second is to be aware of continued distraction thefts by the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies.
In an interview with National Jeweler on Tuesday, Kennedy said that the JSA is seeing a significant amount of credit card fraud.
Credit card fraud is considered a type of theft, which was the only category of crime in the jewelry industry that had increased by the midway point of the year, rising 5 percent, the JSA said in August.
Jewelers need to be sure that they and their employees follow the requirements of the company that issued the credit card “absolutely to the letter” to avoid chargebacks, Kennedy said.
Often, fraudsters will try to have salespeople deviate from the required procedure, asking them to punch in the numbers or to swipe it even if it’s a chip card.
Some also will make a phone call if the transaction is denied, which is purportedly to the credit card company but is actually to an accomplice, who provides a “force code” that overrides the denial.
The JSA also cautions against accepting credit cards over the phone unless the customer is well known to the jeweler, with “well known” meaning that they’ve been in the store more than once just recently.
“When the card is not present, then you are at risk,” Kennedy said. “There’s no way of guaranteeing who it is or anything about them.”
He said that jewelers also need to be aware that distraction thefts allegedly being perpetrated by Roma (Gypsies) are continuing, a trend the JSA first reported to the industry in October.
Since then, the thefts have continued, including a Nov. 20 distraction theft at a jewelry store in Arlington, Texas, that involved two women and resulted in the loss of a $7,100 gold necklace and two gold bracelets worth $7,250 each.
Generally, Kennedy advised that jewelers be on guard this time of the year when the store gets crowded and the sales staff is busy,
though he noted that it’s a misconception that crime against jewelers spikes in November and December.
Yes, it is a time of year when staff can be more easily distracted because of the amount of action in the store. But that’s counterbalanced by the fact that stores often have more staff on the sales floor, which acts as a deterrent to thieves.
Statistics support this.
JSA’s crime report for 2015 shows that when compared to other months, December ranked relatively low in a number of categories.
For example, there were two three-minute burglaries in December 2015, compared with 18 in the month of April; 19 grab-and-runs, compared with 38 in June; and 4 smash-and-grabs, compared with 11 in January.
Overall, the JSA’s 2015 report showed that January--not December--was the most active month for all types of robberies while November was actually the least active.
“The popular wisdom is that the holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for jewelers, which is not true,” Kennedy said.
Yes, it is a time of year when staff can be more easily distracted because of the amount of action in the store. But that’s counterbalanced by the fact that stores often have more staff on the sales floor, which acts as a deterrent to thieves.
Statistics support this.
JSA’s crime report for 2015 shows that when compared to other months, December ranked relatively low in a number of categories.
For example, there were two three-minute burglaries in December 2015, compared with 18 in the month of April; 19 grab-and-runs, compared with 38 in June; and 4 smash-and-grabs, compared with 11 in January.
Overall, the JSA’s 2015 report showed that January--not December--was the most active month for all types of robberies while November was actually the least active.
“The popular wisdom is that the holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for jewelers, which is not true,” Kennedy said.
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
