WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CrimeNov 30, 2018
4 Security Precautions to Take This Holiday Season
They include sticking to advertised opening and closing times and being wary when large groups enter the store.
New York—Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy doesn’t like to talk about it, but there are certain categories of jewelry crime that drop during the holidays.
Store owners, generally, have additional security and more help on the floor. Stores and malls are more crowded, making it harder for smash-and-grab robbers to flee.
But crowded stores, long hours and general confusion open the door for increased incidences of other crimes, including jewelry theft—particularly distraction thefts—and credit card fraud.
Below, Kennedy gave National Jeweler four thoughts on ways jewelers can protect themselves this holiday season.
1. When taking a credit card, ask for extra ID.
When accepting a credit card, particularly from a new customer, Kennedy advises asking for a second piece of identification in addition to the customer’s driver’s license.
Examine it carefully and ensure all the information matches up and makes sense. If the person processing the transaction still isn’t sure, then don’t hesitate to ask for a third piece of ID.
Kennedy said jewelers should be particularly vigilant when accepting credit cards for high-end watches, as these seem to be the product of choice, so to speak, for those looking to commit credit card fraud.
2. Follow opening and closing protocols; take out merchandise and put it away under secure conditions.
Many retailers extend their hours during the holiday season, often staying open longer in the evenings to accommodate as many shoppers as possible.
There’s no problem with stores varying their hours around the holiday season, but jewelers should not open when they’re not ready to open or close before it’s time, Kennedy cautions.
If the store is posted to stay open until 10 p.m., then employees shouldn’t be opening showcases and pulling out merchandise at 9:30 to “get it done” and get home.
“Stuff is out, showcases are open … it’s just more vulnerable,” Kennedy said.
He also advises against letting customers in after hours, unless they are known to the store owner and/or its employees.
“If you close at 9 and somebody knocks on the door at 9:15, don’t let them in. If they’re a regular customer, that’s OK, but we see incidences of people trying to get in after hours or before hours to rob the store,” trying to hit jewelers when they’re not fully staffed and merchandise is out of the cases, Kennedy said.
3. Be wary of big groups.
Kennedy
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
said members of the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies, continue to commit distraction thefts at stores nationwide.
One of the most recent incidences of jewelry theft happened at a store in Aurora, Colorado. Nine people entered the store together and eight of them kept one of the owners occupied while the other crouched down, waddled through an open gate to the back of the store and cleaned out the safe, which also was open.
He said jewelers should be on guard if three or more people enter the store together.
In addition, showcases and safes should always be locked, and product should not be left out on the counter.
4. Educate part-time and seasonal help.
Anyone brought on as an extra hand around the holiday season needs the same security rundown that full-time employees receive.
In addition, jewelers need to make sure they have proper insurance coverage for all the merchandise they have in their stores during the holidays.
Meanwhile, in addition to these tips, National Jeweler also asked Kennedy about a press release the National Retail Federation issued in mid-November stating that losses from organized retail theft reached an all-time high last year.
He said that while in the jewelry industry there are gangs who pull off rooftop burglaries, smash-and-grabs and jewelry thefts by groups like the Roma mentioned above, they are not top-down organizations with one leader. They are more often cells of loosely affiliated people.
“In the general retail industry, it (organized retail theft) is massive. In the jewelry industry, it’s more targeted and particular. I just don’t see it as the same thing.”
He also pointed out that crime in the jewelry industry in general has been on the decline in recent years.
One of the most recent incidences of jewelry theft happened at a store in Aurora, Colorado. Nine people entered the store together and eight of them kept one of the owners occupied while the other crouched down, waddled through an open gate to the back of the store and cleaned out the safe, which also was open.
He said jewelers should be on guard if three or more people enter the store together.
In addition, showcases and safes should always be locked, and product should not be left out on the counter.
4. Educate part-time and seasonal help.
Anyone brought on as an extra hand around the holiday season needs the same security rundown that full-time employees receive.
In addition, jewelers need to make sure they have proper insurance coverage for all the merchandise they have in their stores during the holidays.
Meanwhile, in addition to these tips, National Jeweler also asked Kennedy about a press release the National Retail Federation issued in mid-November stating that losses from organized retail theft reached an all-time high last year.
He said that while in the jewelry industry there are gangs who pull off rooftop burglaries, smash-and-grabs and jewelry thefts by groups like the Roma mentioned above, they are not top-down organizations with one leader. They are more often cells of loosely affiliated people.
“In the general retail industry, it (organized retail theft) is massive. In the jewelry industry, it’s more targeted and particular. I just don’t see it as the same thing.”
He also pointed out that crime in the jewelry industry in general has been on the decline in recent years.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Medal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
