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.
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
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.
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 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.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
