Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CrimeApr 11, 2018
NJ Jeweler Charged with Fencing Stolen Goods
Frank Lashvili allegedly sold jewelry stolen in a rash of rooftop burglaries across the New York metro area.
Frank Lashvili was arrested earlier this month for allegedly fencing jewelry stolen during rooftop burglaries in the New York metro area.
Hackensack, N.J.--Police have arrested a New Jersey jeweler who allegedly was fencing stolen goods.
According to a press release from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, police arrested 56-year-old Frank Lashvili of River Vale, New Jersey on April 5. It’s not clear at this time where Lashvili works as a jeweler.
The release states that on Oct. 22, 2017, suspects cut a hole in the roof of Le Cristal Jewelry in Englewood, New Jersey and stole about $275,000 in jewelry.
An investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department found it was committed by a burglary crew allegedly including Kevin Lyde, 55, of Brooklyn, New York, and other suspects still at large. The investigation also implicated Lyde and the suspects in several other rooftop jewelry store burglaries throughout the New York metro area.
The press release states that the burglars would then fence the stolen jewelry through Lashvili. He has been charged with two counts of fencing and two counts of receiving stolen property.
In addition, the New Rochelle Police Department announced it has arrested Lyde and one other man—Kevin Young, 55, also of Brooklyn—in connection with the Feb. 2 burglary of a local jewelry store.
The police department confirmed via press release that after executing search warrants at various locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan following the burglary of New Rochelle Coin, Stamp and Jewelers, they arrested Lyde and Young on April 5.
The two men, along with a suspect who hasn’t yet been located, allegedly broke into the store by cutting a hole in the roof and dropping into the back before stealing more than $1 million in goods.
Lyde and Young have been charged with first-degree grand larceny and third-degree burglary.
New Rochelle police said both men have been booked and are being held pending arraignment. The investigation remains open as they search for the third suspect.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said additional charges are expected to be filed in both New Jersey and New York in the coming days against Lyde, Young, Lashvili and the other suspects still at large.
According to the Jewelers Security Alliance’s 2017 Annual Crime Report, there were 18 rooftop burglaries from nine states in 2017, compared with 16 rooftop burglaries the
year before. The JSA said most of these burglaries resulted in large losses.
Alarm systems were compromised in a number of cases. In other situations when alarm signals were successfully sent, police left the scene while the burglars possibly were still inside the stores, on the roof or nearby because they were unable to spot any obvious signs of a break-in.
In most of the recent incidents, the suspects took merchandise that had been left in showcases overnight.
Alarm systems were compromised in a number of cases. In other situations when alarm signals were successfully sent, police left the scene while the burglars possibly were still inside the stores, on the roof or nearby because they were unable to spot any obvious signs of a break-in.
In most of the recent incidents, the suspects took merchandise that had been left in showcases overnight.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
