FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
CrimeMar 21, 2019
The Con Artist Who Claimed Ties to the ‘King of Diamonds’
A young man stands accused of seducing women by posing as the son of billionaire diamantaire Lev Leviev.
New York—Simon Leviev, the son of billionaire Lev Leviev, known as the “King of Diamonds,” appeared to the women he met through dating app Tinder as the ultimate catch.
Wealthy, attractive and attentive, he seduced women upon meeting them with impromptu trips on private jets, his status as the son of an oligarch cemented by the constant presence of an entourage that included a bodyguard.
Wealthy, attractive and attentive, he seduced women upon meeting them with impromptu trips on private jets, his status as the son of an oligarch cemented by the constant presence of an entourage that included a bodyguard.
The only problem, his paramours would come to learn, was that Simon Leviev doesn’t exist.
An exhaustive investigation by Norwegian news outlet VG exposed the real man behind the made-up moniker: Shimon Yehuda Hayut, the Israeli son of a rabbi who is wanted by Israeli police and has been reported for fraud in several European countries.
VG’s investigation into Hayut’s relationship with a Norwegian woman, Cecilie Schroder Fjellhoy, who was living in London when she met the con artist through Tinder, exposed how he perpetrates his fraud.
According to VG, Hayut posed as the CEO of LLD Diamonds on Tinder and told women that Lev Leviev is his father.
After connecting through the dating app and an initial first date in London, Hayut and Fjellhoy began a romantic relationship that mainly consisted of WhatsApp messages, only meeting sporadically due to Hayut’s seemingly busy schedule that took him from one city to the next.
Hayut made gestures that seemed in line with that of a major global business player who was constantly on the go, popping into Norway for just a few hours in between supposed business meetings so he could see Fjellhoy when she was on a visit home or taking her for weekend jaunts to Amsterdam via private jet.
What Fjellhoy didn’t know when the romance was occurring was that Hayut was financing his lifestyle by defrauding other women.
According to VG, he went on to do the same to Fjellhoy, claiming he was in danger from business associates who sought to harm him and asking to be linked to her credit cards so that financial transactions he made while traveling wouldn’t be under his own name, putting her in debt for roughly $500,000.
The real Lev Leviev is indeed a billionaire, but his actual son might not be the ideal scion to currently impersonate.
Born in Uzbekistan when it was part of the USSR, the elder Leviev immigrated to Israel as a teenager and eventually got his diamond industry start as an apprentice at a diamond polishing plant, according to The Times of Israel.
He went on to create a polishing business of his own, LLD Diamonds. With strong ties to Russia, where he lives today, Leviev rose to become a major industry force and branched into other businesses like real estate.
Now he’s reportedly wanted for questioning by Israeli police over a diamond smuggling scandal that saw his son Zevulun Leviev, as well as five other LLD Diamonds employees, arrested on suspicion of smuggling last November.
According to Reuters, the alleged smuggling ring brought about $80 million worth of diamonds into Israel in suitcases in an operation conducted since 2010.
Leviev has reportedly refused to leave Russia for questioning in Israel, currently leaving the investigation at an impasse.
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
