The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
Man Pleads Guilty in $9M Jewelry Scheme Run from Prison
James Sabatino, an inmate at a Florida federal penitentiary, posed as a music and movie executive who needed jewelry and watches for video shoots.
Miami--A man who scammed high-end retailers and brands out of more than $9 million in jewelry and watches from behind bars has pleaded guilty and faces up to 20 more years in prison.
James Sabatino, a 40-year-old native New Yorker described by the Miami Herald as a “serial” con man, was an inmate at the Federal Detention Center in Miami when, in October 2014, he obtained a Samsung cell phone through a prison guard.
Using the contraband phone, he created several email addresses and began contacting “luxury store employees and brand representatives” via telephone calls, emails and text messages, court papers state.
He told them his name was “James Prolima” and that he worked for Sony Music Entertainment and RocNation, the recording company founded by Jay-Z, and convinced them to send watches and jewelry, as well as clothing and handbags, to various locations in south Florida that he purported would be used in music videos that were being filmed in Miami.
Later, using iPhones obtained through another guard at the prison, Sabatino began using the aliases “Paul Castellana,” “Samuel Castro” and “Andrew Kronfeld” and pretending that he worked for Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Pictures International, Creative Artists Agency and Universal Music Group.
He convinced more than six “luxury jewelry companies”--including representatives of jeweler-to-the-stars Lorraine Schwartz--to send jewelry that would be used as props in videos featuring popular musicians and actors.
However, since Sabatino was a prison inmate--not a music or movie executive, as he claimed--the jewelry and watches never got used in any videos. Instead, they were sent to outside conspirators and got sold at pawn shops, court papers state.
Two of the co-conspirators deposited some of the money they got from selling the luxury goods into the commissary accounts of Sabatino and another inmate, Jorge Duquen. Court papers also state that some of the items were delivered to an associate of the Gambino organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, of which Sabatino is also known to be an associate.
Sabatino pleaded guilty on Sept. 1 in federal court to charges of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), mail/wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.
The Jewelers Security Alliance included a note about Sabatino in its crime alert circulated Thursday. It states that anyone who believes they might have been a victim of Sabatino’s scheme or has additional information should contact FBI Special Agent Robert A. Giczy at 754-703-2000.
The Latest

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.


The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.