TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
CrimeApr 10, 2019
Live from Conclave: Expert Tips and Tricks to Secure Your Jewelry Store
From staff training to camera placement, Jason Johnson of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group outlined how jewelry store owners can better protect their businesses.
Seattle—A robbery is every jeweler’s worst nightmare, having their lives and livelihoods put in jeopardy.
At American Gem Society’s annual Conclave conference, which concludes today in Seattle, Jason Johnson, a loss prevention account manager at Jewelers Mutual Group, informed attendees how they could mitigate that risk.
Held on April 8, Johnson’s panel, “Retail Jewelry Crime in Context” provided jewelers an overview of common retail crimes, and how to assess their own risk management strategies.
Here are the highlights.
Train Your Sales Associates
Over the course of the session, Johnson shared a few videos of jewelry store thefts and highlighted where proper training could have prevented an incident, particularly in cases of sneak thefts and burglary.
“A lot of it comes down to the training of the sales associates,” said Scott Guginsky, vice president of Jewelers' Security Alliance, who was sitting in on the session.
Johnson recommended always having at least two sales associates on the floor at all times, which can be especially handy when thieves are attempting to distract.
Be sure employees remember to lock the showcases and put the keys in a safe at the end of the day. Also, refrain from showing a customer too many pieces at a time.
Be Mindful of Inventory
Johnson advised attendees to not only keep careful count of their inventory but to be strategic about where it’s placed.
Switch up the layout as much as you can so that all of the higher-end merchandise isn’t in a single case.
If possible, set up showcases in a maze-like fashion rather than a straight line to slow down a thief, as the average robber, Johnson estimated, is over in three minutes.
He recommended reinforcing showcases with burglar-resistant glass, which can significantly hinder a thief from getting into a display.
Watch Out For Casing Behavior
Johnson outlined a few things that jewelers will want to keep an eye out for when a customer enters the store.
Out-of-season clothing, like a puffer jacket in the middle of summer, may be a red flag.
If a customer asks a question, but doesn’t seem interested in the answer, it may be a distraction technique.
If a customer seems suspicious, one may be able to throw them off by saying that they look familiar or offering them a glass of water. A thief wouldn’t want to leave fingerprints on the glass and certainly wouldn’t want to be recognized.
Know Your Security Equipment
In the event of a robbery, security cameras won’t be of much use if they haven’t been set up properly.
Johnson recommended using HD-quality cameras set up at eye-level near entrances to capture the most useful footage. It is also crucial to know how to retrieve the footage and share it with law enforcement, so get familiar with the technology.
Connect with Local Police
Johnson noted that, because of the value of their merchandise, jewelers have a unique risk, and advised reaching out to local police for training on what to do should a robbery occur, both during and after the event.
If a jeweler has identified casing behavior, he recommended keeping a log of that information and contacting law enforcement to send a squad car to the store to deter potential robbers.
Break Up Your Routine
We’re all creatures of habit, but it may be in a jeweler’s best interest to switch up their routine.
Johnson suggested taking a different route home now and then, or alternating which days bank drops occur to throw potential followers off the trail and make it harder for them to detect a pattern of behavior.
Share Less
Networking and social media are both key elements for growing a business, but Johnson warned about oversharing.
It can be tempting to post vacation pictures and it can seem harmless to tell a friend about a new shipment, but one could be putting their security at risk.
For more information on store safety, Johnson recommended reaching out to Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
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.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
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.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
