MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
CrimeDec 11, 2018
Fourth Suspect Tied to Murder of Texas Jeweler Arrested
Arieon Smith allegedly had a role in the March home invasion that resulted in the death of Gallerie Jewelers’ Ted Shaughnessy.
Austin, Texas—A fourth suspect has been identified and arrested in connection with the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of a longtime Austin jeweler earlier this year.
The Travis County Sherriff’s Office confirmed that Arieon Smith, 21, was arrested Friday.
According to court documents, Corey Shaughnessy told investigators that she and her husband, Theodore (Ted), were awoken early on the morning of March 2 by the sound of their dogs barking.
Ted grabbed his handgun and got up to investigate. Less than a minute later, Corey heard gunfire so she also armed herself and got out of bed.
She and the intruder exchanged gunfire until she ran out of ammunition; it is believed the suspect was injured in the exchange. Corey then hid in the closet and called 911, remaining there until police came.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the body of 55-year-old Ted Shaughnessy with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Shaughnessy and his wife owned Gallerie Jewelers in Austin.
Shaughnessy’s son, Nicholas, and his wife, Jaclyn Alexa Edison, both were arrested in early June.
Nicholas was indicted for capital murder in August, while Edison posted bond on a charge of solicitation to commit capital murder.
Nicholas is accused of allegedly heading up the plot to hire Smith and another man, Johnny Roman Leon III, to kill Ted and Corey Shaughnessy so they could collect the insurance money.
Leon was arrested in July and since has been indicted on a charge of capital murder.
According to the affidavit for Smith’s arrest, investigators retrieved his phone records, which confirmed that he had communicated with Leon many times on the day before and day of the murder.
Smith said he was friends with Leon and had met Nicolas in a club. He initially said he didn’t know any details of the crime but later admitted to driving to College Station, Texas in a friend’s car to meet with Leon, who asked him to participate in the murder for money, the affidavit states.
Smith said he refused but loaned Leon his friend’s car to drive to Austin while he stayed in a College Station hotel with a friend all night. However, that friend later told police that Smith had in fact left the hotel during the night with Leon.
Smith now faces a capital murder charge and is being held on a $1 million bond.
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
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.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in ArkansasThey discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
SourcingJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
