MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
CrimeMar 23, 2018
JSA: Smash-and-Grab Robberies, Cybercrime Up in 2017
The 2017 Annual Crime Report shows that while dollar losses were flat, certain patterns of crime against the jewelry industry have picked up.
New York--The Jewelers Security Alliance has released its 2017 Annual Crime Report, and the 21-page summary shows that while dollar losses in crimes against the jewelry industry were nearly flat, total crime was up.
According to the report, total losses decreased from $72.4 million in 2016 to $72.1 million in 2017.
Meanwhile, the total number of crimes against the industry were up 12 percent, rising from 1,234 in 2016 to 1,394 last year.
The JSA’s John Kennedy told National Jeweler that the organization is particularly concerned when it sees spikes in certain types of crimes, representing a pattern, of which there were a few in 2017.
According to the JSA, it saw such a large uptick in cybercrime that for the first time ever, it broke the losses out separately. The average dollar loss from this type last year was $1.2 million.
Meanwhile, smash-and-grab robberies were up nearly 15 percent; in 2016, there were 62 and last year, there were 71. It also shows that more than 50 percent of smash-and-grab incidents occurred in mall stores.
In the second half of the year, a half-dozen smash-and-grab robberies hit the Midwest over a period of a little more than a month. The pattern spread to the Northwest, where four jewelry stores in Oregon and Washington were hit.
Grab-and-run thefts also increased 32 percent, from 420 in 2016 to 556 in 2017.
There were five homicides of jewelers in 2017, compared with six in 2016. There also was a case of the death of a Good Samaritan, data which was unlisted in the years prior, as well as the homicide of a customer.
A 65-year-old customer was shot to death inside a Miami jewelry store in January. That same month, a man who tried to stop a jewelry store robber who was running through the mall was shot and killed.
There were a couple of positive notes in the report as well.
There was a decrease last year in the percentage of robberies in which the robbers displayed a gun—down from 62 percent in 2016 to 50 percent of robberies in 2017—as well as a decrease in violence during robberies—down from 32 percent in 2016 to 28 percent last year.
Off-premise crimes, including traveling salesperson losses, fell to 39 in 2017, representing the lowest total in more than two decades, according to the JSA.
It attributes
the continued decline to the “dedicated interest” by law enforcement, especially the FBI working with local law, the reduced number of traveling salespeople due to the changing nature of the industry and greater education and information sharing between the industry and police.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
Additionally, when one looks at homicide numbers in terms of a ten-year period, the decade representing 1996 to 2006 saw the homicide of 82 jewelers, while only 42 jewelers were killed from 2007 to 2017, a 50 percent decline.
The JSA said that not only are local law enforcement and the FBI arresting violent gangs quicker and the industry is sharing more information regarding violent gangs, but also that jewelers aren’t resisting robberies as often, with the organization helping raise awareness on all fronts.
Kennedy also said that it’s possible the enforcement of higher penalties for crimes with guns has caused some robbers to turn to other means, like smash-and grab-robberies without guns.
To view the full report, visit JewelersSecurity.org.
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
