Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
Texas Jewelry Store Employee Shot in Armed Robbery
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has several recommendations for retailers as they reopen.
Austin, Texas—A recent armed robbery resulted in the shooting and hospitalization of one jewelry store employee in Austin.
According to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, three suspects entered a jewelry store—identified in local news reports as Korman Fine Jewelry—around 5 p.m. last Thursday, May 7, and fired multiple shots.
One employee was hit and sustained serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.
The employee was taken to the hospital and remained in stable condition as of Friday, according to the Austin-Travis County EMS.
Police have taken two suspects into custody—their names have not yet been released—and are looking for at least one more person involved in the robbery.
The investigation is ongoing.
In a news alert sent out Monday afternoon, JSA said despite the fact that only a small number of jewelry stores have reopened, it is seeing a “significant level” of violent jewelry crime.
The organization said as more stores reopen, criminals who have been idle for the past few months are likely to cause an “explosion of crime.”
JSA recommends stores that are reopening follow these safety tips.
1. Jewelers should keep the entrance locked and have an employee or security guard admit a very small number of people at a time; a buzzer system is helpful. In mall locations or those without a locked door, there should be an employee or security guard controlling the entranceway.
2. All admitted customers need to wear masks. If a jeweler wants someone to remove theirs, it needs to be removed outside of the store. JSA also noted there are some limitations, as some jurisdictions require masks be worn and people can’t be asked to remove them before others have moved away.
3. Criminals sometimes try to conceal their identity using more than a surgical mask. They often use hats, hoodies or sunglasses in addition to masks, and some wear scarves, bandanas or rolled T-shirts instead of masks. A jeweler who feels someone is trying to conceal their identity, or is not sufficiently protected without a mask, should not admit said person into the locked store, whether they remove the mask/scarf outside or not.
4. Social distancing needs to be maintained inside the store by employees and customers.
5. Install a camera that is focused to the outside of the store for security and to help with admitting customers.
6. Jewelers who have furloughed or laid off employees should consider if store and
7. Jewelers might want to consider shortening or adjusting store hours, especially so their store isn’t the only open business in the neighborhood.
8. Retailers engaging in curbside pick-up should keep the following in mind:
--Look out for criminals who may be waiting nearby, probably in cars, and watching the store;
--Repairs or items ordered online or by phone should be paid by credit card prior to pick-up;
--Two employees should handle pick-ups, with one surveilling the area and handling the door while the other goes to the car to deliver the merchandise;
--Don’t have fixed or posted hours for pick-up; instead make them by appointment, with the car description and license plate number obtained beforehand;
-- Customers arranging for curbside pick-up should be given a designated area as close to the front of the store as possible and visible from inside the store;
--Know the details and limits of jewelers block insurance coverage when delivering merchandise outside the store;
--Let local police know when the store is reopening and that it will engage in curbside pick-up so additional patrols can be made to the store’s location.
9. Keep various COVID-19 supplies in the store: extra gloves and masks for employees and customers, hand sanitizer, disinfectant for wiping showcases and door handles, and jewelry cleaner for wiping jewelry and watches before and after presentation.
10. The basic security principles always preached by JSA will be more important than ever, the organization said in its alert. Follow these standard crime prevention procedures, even when operating with a reduced staff.
--Don’t resist in a robbery.
--Look for red flags to help spot criminals, like three or more people wanting to enter together, nervous behavior and body language, inappropriate clothing for the season and staring up at cameras.
--Follow opening and closing protocols with two employees.
--Keep all showcases locked, except when taking merchandise out or putting it back.
--Show one item at a time.
--Don’t bring goods home.
--Put goods away each night in a safe or vault or, at minimum, put less expensive merchandise in a locked drawer or closet out of sight.
--Respond to all alarms accompanied by security, alarm or police personnel. A full inspection of the interior and exterior of the premises is necessary.
The Latest

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.


Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.