Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
JSA: Smash-and-Grab Robbers Targeting Michigan Jewelers
Seven robberies or attempts have been made in the last five weeks, while attempts have also been made in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
New York—Smash-and-grab robbers are hitting jewelers across Michigan and other states during the busy season, the Jewelers Security Alliance said.
In a recent email alert, the JSA said seven robberies or attempts have been made in Michigan in the past five weeks.
These include in Clinton Township on Dec. 6, Troy on Dec. 10, Auburn Hills on Dec. 14 and 15, Grandville on Dec. 15 and Taylor on Dec. 16.
Attempts also have been made in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
In the recent incidents, the suspects have concealed their identities with hoods, JSA reported, but added that nine suspects have been arrested who carried out four of the robberies.
The JSA said in addition to the violence, effect on staff and loss of inventory, robberies at this time of year often force stores to close for repairs during their busiest time.
The organization said in its email alert that this pattern of robberies is similar to the wave of smash-and-grab robberies throughout the country that led to more than 50 indictments and arrests in 2015.
The JSA makes these recommendations to jewelers.
1. Don’t resist in a smash-and-grab robbery; in addition to sledgehammers and other dangerous tools, suspects might be armed with guns.
2. A good deterrent is to hire armed, off-duty police officers in the store.
3. Have buzzers on the door to control who is entering and exiting.
4. Consider investing in showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames since they can withstand many blows from a hammer and can prevent or reduce large losses.
The JSA said it hasn’t seen robbers take “retaliatory action” when showcases have laminated glass and they aren’t able to smash it or can only create a small hole for removing merchandise.
Robbers also frequently cut themselves on the small holes, leaving behind valuable DNA evidence.
5. Have an audible glass breakage alarm on showcases to scare robbers away.
6. The robbers have been targeting loose diamonds and high-end watches, JSA said; spread this merchandise among several showcases rather than concentrating them in one to reduce loss.
7. Have security cameras at eye level inside and outside the store. Surveillance photos from this level can provide great evidence for police, as opposed to “useless” photos of the top of heads or hats that come from ceiling cameras.
8. Keep a log book of suspicious incidents, and save and put
9. Share information and photos with others, such as local jewelers, police and JSA, about casings and suspects to help prevent crime and assist with investigations.
The Latest

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.


The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.























