GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
CrimeSep 24, 2018
Four Suspects Arrested in $150K Diamond Shipping Scheme
They allegedly used the information of a Tennessee jeweler to place fraudulent orders with a diamond firm, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Knox County, Tenn.—Four suspects have been arrested by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a diamond ordering and shipping fraud scheme.
According to the police, a Tennessee retail jeweler got a call from a diamond firm saying they had received an order from the jeweler for $150,000 in diamonds and the package was on its way, but the retailer said he had never placed such an order.
After realizing it was a scam, the owner of the store alerted an off-duty cop with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives were then able to figure out which shipping company was handling the diamond shipment and set up a surveillance at said company’s pick-up area.
A suspect came to retrieve the package shipped by the diamond firm and was arrested. Three other suspects were later arrested elsewhere.
According to the Jewelers Security Alliance, the group allegedly used the retail jeweler’s information to place a false order from the diamond firm; they also are suspected of allegedly using the scam in a number of other order frauds in the Southeast.
The suspects have been identified as Corey Smith, 31; Octavia Nashae Smith, 21; Ariana Moshae Jenkins, 21; and Quintaisha Torshe Sullivan, 21.
They have been charged with computer crime over $60,000, identify theft and attempted theft over $60,000. The sherriff’s office said more charges could come as the investigation continues.
A Sept. 20 email alert sent out by the JSA made the following recommendations.
1. Confirm to whom you are talking during transactions or who an email or text is from. Don’t hesitate to call a business back after the order or request is made to confirm it is legitimate, but don’t use the number given by the caller or in the email or text—rather, call the actual number of the store obtained through company records or other reliable sources.
2. Don’t give out tracking numbers for shipments as they can be used by criminals to divert shipped merchandise to an address of their choice.
3. Beware of calls from blocked or “unknown” numbers.
4. Don’t give out information to callers asking about personnel or procedures, and remind all employees to do the same; scammers will want to know as much as they can about the business so they can sound legitimate.
5. Strictly limit procedures allowing changes of address on shipments. Some firms have only one person who can authorize a change of
address or have specified to shipping companies that all attempts at changes of address should instead be returned to the firm. Notify the recipient about instructions concerning change of address.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
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.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
