The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Former Jewelry Store Manager Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud
He directed his staff to accept counterfeit credit cards for jewelry purchases at his Florida store, leading to almost $400,000 in losses in 2010 and 2011.
Fort Pierce, Florida--A former Florida jewelry store manager has pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Frank Dunkow, 52, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg to one count of bank fraud involving the repeated sales of jewelry to individuals using counterfeit credit cards.
Dunkow was the store manager at Littman Jewelers in the Wellington Mall in Wellington, Florida.
The release states that, according to court records, he directed his employees to accept counterfeit credit cards used by individuals on a number of occasions to buy expensive pieces of jewelry.
The first credit card given by co-conspirators often was declined. The buyers then would give a second, third or more until the charge was processed, despite the cards being fake.
Dunkow and his staff processed a number of such sales between June 2010 and March 2011, leading to just under $400,000 in financial losses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
He faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment and up to $1 million in fines at sentencing.
The Latest

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.


The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
























