EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
