SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
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
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
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
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.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
